What Are The Causes And Treatments For Dog Arthritis?

Skeletal hinges, often called the joints, are what give your dog flexibility of movement. The dog's body has three types of joints: ball and socket such as hip and shoulder joints; hinged joints such as knees and elbows; and plane or gliding joints as wrists and ankles. Joints are lubricated by the body's inner joint fluid which are then stabilized by ligaments and tendons. Either by disease or injury, inflammation and arthritis occurs.

Stiffness or lameness has various causes as dog arthritis comes in various types. Slow to get up, reluctance in negotiating stairs or stiffness after a morning run can be helped temporarily with an aspirin or two before a trip to the veterinarian.

There are two types of dog arthritis, inflammatory and degenerative (osteoarthritis). The inflammatory type is usually either immune-mediated or begins with an infection and comes with fever and/or anorexia. An accurate thorough diagnosis can and should be determined by your veterinarian.

Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear of cartilage protecting the bones. Repetitive jumping can stretch or tear ligaments, injuries from a fall, malformation of hip sockets, are examples of stress on joints. Sometimes this disease can be halted surgically before it progresses. Again, a thorough diagnosis as to the cause should be done by your veterinarian. Either way, dog arthritis is painful.

Make sure your veterinarian gives an accurate diagnosis for the type of joint disease. Each type requires different treatment. The wrong medication may cause an infection to thrive.

Here are some signs of dog arthritis: Reluctance to play, climb stairs, jump or even walk, limping, yelping from pain if touched, difficulty getting up from lying down, resisting touch, one or more legs trembling when standing still.

Relief from pain can be through painkillers, natural supplements, diet and rest. One of the latest pain relievers for dog arthritis is a new prescription drug. However, blood tests are suggested if used long-term. Liver problems may develop and therefore The drug may not be the best option. All medications have side effects. A natural supplement, glucosamine sulfate is highly recommended for osteoarthritis.

If your veterinarian prescribes either drugs, surgery or both, it is imperative that your pet be given as easy a time as possible. This means lots of rest, affection and frequent short trips that are not painful either before or after treatment. Recovery may be slow. One other thing that would help is to find the appropriate weight for the breed of dog you have. If it is overweight reduce the food until the correct weight is achieved and thereafter maintained.

Visit us online for more info about how you can help your dog ease his or her suffering from joint arthritis. We offer all natural glucosamine for treating the effects of osteo-arthritis in canines. Our products, such as Flexicose, are very safe and highly effective.