Symptoms and Treatment for Dog Arthritis Pain

Canine arthritis results from both degenerative and inflammatory joint disease. In degenerative arthritis, cartilage within the joints have been worn away from injury, over exercise or normal wear and tear associated with the aging process. It may also be caused by the genetic disease hip dysplasia which leads to ligaments in the joints becoming loose and abnormal development of the joints. Osteochondritis Dissecan occurs when bone development has become disturbed resulting in cartilage 'flaps.' Inflammatory joint disease includes rheumatoid arthritis and is caused by infection. It is a result of the immune system attacking the joints. As cartilage aids the mobility between joints, degradation of cartilage can result in bones becoming exposed leading to inflammation and dog arthritis pain as well as decreased mobility. In can therefore impact the overall quality of life within

Symptoms of dog arthritis pain include changes in your dog's mobility, symptoms of lameness, reluctance to be touched, difficulty climbing stairs, stiffness, loss of appetite, lethargy and changes in personality such as irritability or aggression. They may also lick or bite the affected area. Overweight, larger and inactive dogs are more susceptible to arthritis. Similarly it is often associated with older dogs that have experienced more wear and tear during their lifespan. Dogs that have the genetic disease such as hip dysplasia or experienced injury during their life may also be more susceptible due to the weakness of joints and predisposition to joint degeneration.

Your veterinarian will carry out comprehensive diagnostic exams to determine the cause of dog arthritis pain. Degenerative joint disease can be prevented through surgery, alternatively your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers, anti inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl or Adequen and suggest addressing the disease through exercise and diet. Rest is also important to allow joints time to heal and to reduce further wear and tear. Appropriate treatments will be suggested for arthritis associated with auto-immune disease. As anti-inflammatory drugs typically offer short term relief and can be associated with many side effects, pet owners may choose to use natural alternative such as dog joint supplements which contain joint specific ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. These can often be used in conjunction with NSAIDS and may reduce the need for long term use of these medications. They also offer a preventative measure to help your dog avoid developing joint problems in the future. In addition to these treatments, household adjustments can help to support your dog's joints and alleviate dog arthritis pain such as harnesses, ramps and orthopedic beds which help to cushion your dog's joints during sleep.