Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Dogs often suffer from arthritis - a insidious disease that affects the joints, deteriorates the pet's quality of life, and causes pain. How to prevent the development of such a condition, diagnose, and treat it in time?

There are many types of arthritis, but they all share symptoms such as lameness, reduced mobility, reluctance to go for walks, and pain syndrome. Depending on the causes of occurrence, the following are distinguished:

• Traumatic arthritis. Manifests after a bruise, dislocation, fracture, sprain, etc. As a result of the injury, metabolism in the cartilaginous joint is disrupted, cushioning deteriorates, and an inflammatory process appears in the tissues.
• Functional arthritis. The development process is the same as in traumatic arthritis, but the cause is excessive joint stress.
• Dystrophic arthritis. Appears due to a metabolic disorder. The simplest example is an excess of salt in the body, which transforms into crystals and traumatizes tissues with sharp edges.
• Septic arthritis. Develops on the basis of a bacterial infection that has entered the joint. More often, the inflammatory process is caused by staphylococci and streptococci. If the dog is not treated and septic arthritis is allowed to progress, fistulas may appear. Moreover, untreated disease can lead to more serious consequences - amputation and even the death of your beloved pet.
• Arthritis caused by genetic pathologies. The pet may have congenital abnormalities that lead to other diseases, including arthritis.

IMPORTANT: The symptoms of arthritis are very vague, so to get an accurate diagnosis, you need to take your pet to the vet. Remember that self-treatment will not lead to anything good.

Treatment of Arthritis in Dogs

Depending on the type of arthritis, the veterinarian will prescribe medications for the dog: anti-inflammatory, pain relievers, etc. Most often, in the treatment of arthritis, the pet should take medications containing compounds of natural origin present in the connective tissue, skin, vitreous body, and synovial fluid of mammals.

If you want to help your pet, you can:

1. Perform massages This will alleviate pain, relax, and calm the dog. Gently massage the affected area in circular motions. But remember, DO NOT massage in case of septic arthritis - this will lead to the spread of infection.
2. Change the diet Dogs with excess weight often suffer from arthritis. Do not give the animal fatty, sweet, spicy, salty food. Consult with a veterinarian regarding the diet - nowadays, you can find feeds enriched with minerals and vitamins on store shelves, which contribute to strengthening the joints and bones.
3. Avoid sudden movements The animal may have difficulty going up and down stairs - use an elevator or carry the pet in your arms.
4. Prevent the dog from getting cold Cold negatively affects the joints, so in the cold season, rain, and slush, dress your dog in clothes. Also, do not allow the dog to swim in cold water, lie on tiles, or be in a draft.
5. Provide warmth You can apply warm compresses (if it is not septic arthritis). Also, make sure to provide a warm bedding for the animal.

IMPORTANT: Before taking any action, consult a vet. Arthritis is a dangerous disease that can cause pain to the pet, so it is necessary to seek professional help to avoid serious consequences.