Osteoarthritis and joint inflammation in dogs
What is osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is joint wear and tear caused by aging, overuse, or inflammation. The quality of the joint fluid and cartilage deteriorates. As a result, the bone surfaces come into contact with each other and subsequently produce additional irregular bone. Osteoarthritis can reduce joint mobility and cause pain. It can occur in any joint and may be accompanied by joint inflammation (arthritis).
How can I recognize osteoarthritis in my dog?
You can recognize osteoarthritis when your dog walks with a limp. This is an attempt to reduce the pain. Osteoarthritis can be hereditary and is common in large dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Overweight dogs are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis because their joints are placed under greater strain. Osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, but deterioration can be prevented or slowed.
Treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs:
- Prevent obesity: Sometimes you need to give your dog a special diet food. Being overweight puts strain on the bones.
- Adjust the exercise routine.
- Give special diet food or nutritional supplements such as organic sulfur, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.
- Give pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication: this is usually prescribed by the veterinarian and helps reduce inflammatory substances in the joint.
- Physiotherapy
Joint inflammation in dogs
Unfortunately, more and more dogs are suffering from inflammation of the hip and elbow joints (arthritis) due to premature wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Hereditary skeletal abnormalities can place uneven stress on the joint surfaces, causing the cartilage in the joints to wear down. This wear and tear causes pain, making your dog less active and potentially causing it to limp. Arthritis can also result from intense exercise, being overweight, or bacterial infections.
Symptoms of joint inflammation in dogs
- Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint
- Walking with a limp
- Whining, whimpering, or aggressive behavior
Treatment of joint inflammation in dogs
Initially, the veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication. You can help by making sure your dog stays active so that its muscles do not weaken and its joints receive adequate support. If your dog is overweight, it is advisable to reduce its body weight to lower the risk of other joint inflammations.
