What Causes The Pain And Sore Joints Many Older Dogs Suffer From?

Arthritis is a very old disease. Dinosaurs even suffered from it. Although there is no cure yet there are many things we can do to maintain quality of life for our furry friends. There are different kinds of arthritis in dogs and your veterinarian will need to take X-rays and run tests to properly diagnose which type it is. One in five dogs will succumb to this disease.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form which affects older and/or overweight dogs, although many smaller breeds are also affected. Other causes could be hip dysplasia, ligament rupture and joint infection which may result from injuries, bites or trauma. Inflammation can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis which is immune mediated (the immune system is inappropriately causing the disease; clotting cells in the body are being destroyed).

Both bone and cartilage erode within the affected joints. This condition may lead to joint fixation. This is called ankylosis. It can affect either a single joint. If more than one joint is involved it is called poly arthritis. Another type of arthritis which is immune mediated is systematic lupus erythematosis. Septic arthritis is usually brought on by microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the main causes. Usually this affects only one joint with swelling, heat, fever and pain. Your dog is likely to become depressed and stop eating.

Change in your dog's behavior will be his way of communicating pain. Slowing down, reluctance to jump, limping, licking of joints are some of the tell-tale signs. If your veterinarian diagnoses the beginnings of osteoarthritis he or she may well suggest liquid glucosamine. This is a perfectly natural supplement which aids the body to naturally produce new tissue surrounding the joint. The liquid form of glucosamine sulfate is more readily absorbed by the body than pills or chewables. When this is given consistently in your dog's food, healing will occur within a couple of months and often just weeks.

Although this is not a quick fix, the benefits are long-lasting with no side-effects. However, your veterinarian may well prescribe pain medication and antibiotics depending on the severity of the arthritis for a short period, together with liquid glucosamine.

All pain medication has side-effects and your veterinarian will want to take blood tests beforehand to find out if your dog is able to tolerate it. Steroids are given for immune mediated as well as rheumatoid arthritis. As for septic arthritis, tests will need to be taken to determine the microorganism involved as well as the antibiotic sensitivity.

Usually antibiotics are given for at least a month, together with analgesics to stop inflammation and pain as will . Swimming puts no strain on joints and is an excellent help for your dog with arthritis. Acupuncture is also popular now, as are nutraceuticals. These are natural foodstuffs which provide health benefits in addition to their basic meals.

Dog arthritis disease can safely be treated with all natural glucosamine supplements which cause almost no side effects in canines.