Joint Problems in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Behavioral changes in your dog, such as changes in movements, difficulties walking up and down the stairs, symptoms of lameness (changes in gait) reluctance to carry out activities they had previously found enjoyable may be signs that your dog is having problem with their dog joints. Dog joint problems can be caused by injury or post operative joint pain. Developmental disorders such as hip dysplasia, a genetic disease where the ligaments in the joints become loose resulting in an abnormal structure of muscles and connective tissues. As the symptoms of hip dysplasia progress this can lead to osteoarthritis.

Other causes of joint problems include crucial ligament problems which lead to the degeneration of ligaments in joints. Von Villebrand disease a bleeding disorder resulting in bleeding in the joints, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, Lyme disease and hyperparathyroidism. Younger dogs may suffer from panosteitis where dog joints grow too quickly. It is important to address joint pain problems as soon as possible particularly as if joints are further worn down, bones may become exposed and begin to rub together which causing increased pain and swelling.

Symptoms of pain in dog joints may be exacerbated in larger or obese dogs due to the stress the extra weight placed on the joints. For this reason it is important to ensure your dog follows a well balanced diet and moderate exercise regime. A well balanced diet is also important to ensure the appropriate vitamins and nutrients are made available, particularly calcium which is important for good bone density. It is important to address dog joint pain as it can have a major affect on your dog's mobility and quality of life. Decreased mobility may also lead to further weight gain creating further health problems and stress for the joints.

Your veterinarian will carry out a full physical examination to determine the causes of pain in dog joints and may even request an x-ray. They may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs which act quickly. Many pet owners however turn to natural joint supplements, These may not act as quickly as prescription medications, but have considerably less (if any) side effects and drug interactions and are often made of natural ingredients such as MSM, chondriotin sulfate and glucosamine which are described as the building blocks for cartilage. They often contain a wide range of vitamins and nutrients offering an overall health supplements as well as their joint health specific properties.