As your dog ages, he will tend to slow down, become less active, and sleep more frequently.
Though this is quite natural, it could also be a sign that your pet is suffering from dog arthritis. If your beloved pet appears to be in pain when he runs or jumps, or walks with a limp, then there is a possibility that he has arthritis. However, there is no need to worry, as medications are available for treating arthritis in dogs.
The inflammation or swelling in a dog's joint is referred to as arthritis. Though there there are a number of different types of canine arthritis that can afflict your pet, the most common types are osteoarthritis, which is also know as degenerative joint disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in canines. It can be caused by abnormal bone or joint development, hip dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Another possible cause of this type of arthritis is infections, which could be the result of bites or injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by injury to the pet's immune system. It can affect single joints or multiple joints and leads to the eroding of cartilage and bone within the affected area. It can eventually progress to a complete fixation of the joint if not properly treated. In certain breeds of dog, rheumatoid arthritis can be detected with blood tests.
The treatment for arthritis in dogs is dependant upon the type of arthritis your pet is suffering from. If your pet is suffering from osteoarthritis, the most common form of treatment are analgesics. However, these types of medications must be chosen with care because there are potential side effects including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Your veterinarian can perform blood tests on your dog to ensure that they can safely metabolize this form of medicine. Continued blood tests will probably be required to ensure continued safe usage.
If your dog is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, high doses of corticosteroids are generally prescribed by vets. This is generally a long-term regimine which usually includes other medicines such as immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents. Natural treatments are becoming increasingly popular in treating dog arthritis. Lame-eze has been used in clinical practice for over 20 years and has been extremely successful in most cases. In more severe or chronic cases, it may be necessary to use the homeopathic Arthritis Pain Formula, or a combination of both.
Most importantly, you must be aware that recovery of dogs with arthritis takes time. Hence, you need to give them proper care and the extra attention that they are going to need.
