Canine Arthritis
Arthritis is not only limited to humans, dogs too can suffer from various types of arthritis. The classification of them is based on the provocative cause and the nature of the condition. Actually arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Trauma, ruptured tendons or ligaments and aging can cause Canine arthritis. Even dysplasia or generative joint disease and lack of activity can cause Canine arthritis. Various forms of canine arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis
One of the most common forms of canine arthritis in which degenerating occurs in the cartilage joint is Osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis progresses slowly and breakdowns the articulate cartilage in a joint. Cartilages are special type of tissues that covers the surface of the bones and connect each other. They also provide lubrication and shock absorption, pain free and frictionless movement. When this cartilage damages, osteoarthritis sets off. Permanent damage, inflammation and pain are the outcomes when the body is unable to repair the injured cartilage.
Infectious Arthritis
Another form of arthritis where microorganisms grows and spread the infection from the infected joint to various place in the body, for e.g. Lyme disease, the microorganism can spread the disease and affect several other joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is not very common arthritis and mainly affects the middle-aged to older breed dogs.
Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
This type of arthritis is a polysystemic disease and generally affects the joints. Typically in this disease the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, which results in damaging many other joints and vital organs like kidney, lung and skin.
Symptoms of canine arthritis
1. If the dog seems to be in pain, not willing to be picked up or touched in some areas.
2. Favoring a limb.
3. Activity level has decreased and lethargy.
4. The dog finds difficulty in standing and sitting.
5. Hesitate in jumping
6. Stiffness in the morning.
Though various arthritis treatments are available for canine arthritis, however it cannot be cured. The most important part in treating canine arthritis is managing the pain. Some safe way of treating is using pain relieving lotions. Surgery may be needed in severe cases, but do not treat your dog with extreme treatments, which is not recommended. Always consult a veterinarian if you feel like it is suffering from arthritis. He can prescribe you medicines and procedures that will lessen the pain, discomfort and swelling. A new treatment available is dietary. Some sulfate compounds, for e.g. glucosamine and chondroitin are known to be useful in relieving from pain and decreasing the degenerative process. They keep the cartilage destroying enzymes under control and attract fluid that joins the cartilage system thus helping the body in recovering. They also work, incase you want to prevent arthritis in your dog.
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