Arthritis in Dogs - Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints with pain, swelling and stiffness and hindered movement of affected joint.

2.     Symptoms:

Pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of movement in the affected joint and fever, loss of appetite and depression.

3.     Duration of Problem:

Duration is long and will sometimes persist for the whole dogs’ life.

4.     Exposure:

Osteoarthritis-1 is a degenerative joint disease caused due to damage of subchondrial bone or rupture of cranial cruciate ligament. 2- Infective arthritis includes joint infection due to bite or injury and caused by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and virus. 3-Rheumatoid Arthritis is immune mediated in which erosion of cartilage and bone occurs in the affected joint. 4-Non-erosive immune mediated arthritis e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. Thus the cause of arthritis is genetics, old injuries, microbial infestation in the joint, diet, cell oxidation, age and obesity.

Arthritis in Dogs - Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

Immune mediated and rheumatoid arthritis is treated with high doses of corticosteroids, and cytotoxic agents Lameeze has been used for a long time. Homeopathic Pain Formula, hot and cold fomentation is also used. Infective arthritis is treated with antibiotics after sensitivity tests. In case of osteoarthritis if joint damage is too much then joint replacement surgery is done. Pain killer analgesic such as aspirin, Tylenol, neutraceuticals, ibuprofen, and phenylbutazone is given to relieve pain. Glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulphate is said to be very affective as its molecules are the compositional part of cartilage and synovial fluid. RIMADYL is tried worldwide and pet's response to it is seen within few days of treatment. Heating and massage relieves pain in the joint. Acupuncture has also been helpful in some cases

2.     Prevention:

Breeders should breed the pets from healthy parents with pedigree record of healthy breeds for the last four generations; only then the canine breed can get relief from this painful disease. Oral chondroprotectives reduce the joint cartilage loss and repair the damage in the affected joint and are available at the counter.

3.     Precautions:

Pet should not gain weight, food with more fiber and minerals and vitamin nutrients should be given. If possible restrict jumping and running but moderate exercise is obligatory to preserve muscular strength. Long use of drugs causes liver and gastro-intestinal disorder so always give medicines in consultation with vet and get the affected joint x-rayed. Blood tests should be given frequently to observe the loss or cure in the joint.

4.     Helpful Supplies:

Heat pads, heaters, electronic massage device, soft-cushioned bed, slings for legs, walker with castors are some to mention.

Arthritis in Dogs - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

Level of seriousness on the part of pet is very depressing because it has to live in constant pain with restricted mobility and lameness.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

Once the joint is affected by any type of arthritis it persists through out the life and the pet will have to be given painkillers. On the part of the owner persistent expenses of medicine and nursing can take their toil.

3.     Genetics:

Hip, elbow, dysplasia, patella dislocation, hypertrophic arthritis, spinal arthritis, Osteochondrosis are some of the heritable diseases.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

The shelter of the pet should be comfortable and warm; you can not take it for long walks, nursing demands more time on the part of owner.

5.     Expense:

Expenses increase due to continuous treatment and surgery effects the budget of the owner.