Arthritis
in dogs can be difficult to diagnose as it can affect any breed
of dog at any age. It is incredibly easy to put the symptoms down
to something else such as old age, laziness or even growing pains.
Even dogs as young as 6 months can suffer from arthritis. Canine
arthritis occurring outside of old age can be the result of an injury
or an inherited condition.
Arthritis
is a degenerative joint disease whereby pain and stiffness develop
as a result of wear and tear to the joints involved. Any joint can
be affected by arthritis but your dog's hips, knees and elbows are
the most susceptible joints.
Dogs
with arthritis may find it difficult to move about freely and may
limp or show other signs of pain and discomfort. A sufficient diagnose
of arthritis can often be made by your vet while your dog is still
awake. During this exam your vet should also be able to identify
which joints are affected. Sometimes the vet may need to sedate
your dog to do further manipulation or x-rays in order to confirm
the diagnosis.
There are a number of things that can be done to help dogs with
arthritis and a combined approach usually works best.
| For
older dogs or dogs suffering from arthritis, make sure their
bed is comfortable. Orthopaedic
dog beds are ideal for arthritic pain. Also make sure
that your pets bedding is warm. Flectabed unique thermal
bedding works by reflecting lost body heat back to your
pet. |
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Joint
problems are aggravated by excess weight. If the dog is overweight
then weight loss will go some way towards helping. Arthritis and
the associated pain can make exercise difficult so the most effective
method of weight reduction is to reduce fattening food intake. You
could switch your dog to a low fat version of the food you feed.
Alternatively, reduce the amount you feed and add extra raw vegetables
to the meals. See if your vet runs weight clinics. You can get nutritional
advice and have your dog’s weight monitored. It is very important
that a dog with arthritis has a normal body weight.
Many dogs will respond well to an improved diet containing raw vegetables.
Carrots are often a particular favourite. A balanced home-prepared
diet, as opposed to many commercial dog foods, will be free from
artificial colours and preservatives.
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Reduce
the amount
you feed and add
extra raw vegetables
to the meals. |
Having
mentioned that exercise can be uncomfortable, it is important to
point out that regular gentle exercise will help to maintain mobility.
Joints that do not get regular exercise may stiffen up, making the
symptoms of arthritis worse. Short sessions of exercise a few times
a day will be beneficial. Gentle on-lead walks are best as a daily
form of exercise. Hydrotherapy or other swimming could also be considered
as this type of exercise is kind to the joints and non-weight bearing.
Many
dogs benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines which
help to keep the dog comfortable by reducing joint inflammation
and stiffness. However, some dogs do not tolerate non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medicines so well and may experience vomiting
or stomach ulcers.
Alternatives
include pentosan polysulphate injections and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
joint supplements. Fish oils such as cod liver oil can help but
supplementation with omega 3 essentail fatty acids (EFAs) would
be of greatest benefit. When using supplements, quality is very
important so do your research or consult your vet for advice. Other
alternative treatments include acupuncture for pain relief, herbal
medicine, homoeopathy and as mentioned above, hydrotherapy.
| Seaflex®
for Dogs is a treat stick that contains sea cucumber extract,
Omega-3 fatty acids, kelp, marine trace minerals, marine carotenoids,
anti-oxidants and other 'mobility ingredients' aimed at supporting
vitality in dogs of all ages. |
|
Mobile
Bones - Dog Joint and Bone Supplement is stuffed full
of active ingredients including glucosamine, MSM, calcium,
phosphorus, silicon, omega-3, omega-6, antioxidants, herbs,
vitamins and minerals all packed in 100% recyclable, biodegradable
bags.
Feeding just a small amount of Mobile Bones each day maintains
bone strength and joint, tendon and cartilage health. This
can be of benefit not only to older dogs, but also to those
with joint problems, recovering from injury or whose joints
and bones are under pressure from their daily routine (such
as working and competition training).
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Many dogs, young and old, suffer with joint conditions. Older
dogs can suffer with arthritis. Younger dogs can be affected
by hip dysplasia, OCD or cruciate ligament damage, to name
a few conditions. It can cause a great deal of pain and suffering
to many dogs.
Joint
Support for Dogs is a herbal remedy for dogs, designed
to soothe and help the joint maintain its normal structure
and function. |
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| Forever
Freedom Aloe Vera Juice is a complete range of nutrients
essential for maintaining healthy joint function and mobility.
This tremendous combination drink not only helps relieve the
signs of joint ageing and wear and tear but also helps to
prevent further damage which can occur during games and activities. |
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Aloe
MSM Gel reduces inflammation, relieves pain and stiffness
and restores mobility.
Aloe
Heat Lotion brings fast relief to arthritic joints. The
lubricated lotion makes it ideal for massaging. |
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Remember
that arthritis is a progressive disease and regular assessments
by your vet are essential to ensure that your pet is receiving the
best possible treatment and care.
September 2006 is Canine Arthritis
Awareness Month
Further Reading
If
you are interested in purchasing any of the books listed below,
please visit our special Canine
Arthritis section of the D for Dog Online Book Store.
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The Essential
Guide to Natural Pet Care: Arthritis
by
Orey C
The Essential Guide to Natural Pet Care series covers
gentle, natural treatments for common diseases affecting cats
and dogs. Each book offers in-depth solutions such as vet-approved
dietary changes, supplements, herbs and homeopathy, acupuncture,
etc. |
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Arthritis
(Pocket Pet S.)
by Lisa Newman
Part of a series promoting the principles of holistic
animal care as support to traditional veterinary diagnosis
and treatements, this text covers the subject of arthritis. |
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