Our pets are a very rewarding part of our lives and our love for them is as deep as that of a family member. As they get older, it is fairly easy to spot a pet who is limping or is reluctant to do things he or she did as easily as a younger dog. When these symptoms persist, a trip to the vet is advised. Making a proper diagnosis is critical to treatments that will be suggested and considered. The symptoms mentioned, are a typical result of canine arthritis. This degenerative joint disease is very common, but not limited to, aging, larger breeds, and is a serious condition. Besides the physical limitations, the pain that comes along with degenerative joint disease varies from mild to severe.
If joint disease is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of the patient. The purpose of this physical examination is to determine if symptoms are a result of this degenerative joint disease or another ailment that has the similar symptoms.
Physical examinations often entail:
1. An interview with the owner as to the symptoms displayed, length displayed and any worsening over time.
2. Examination of the eyes, ears, skin and gums of the dog.
3. Seeking signs of fever or inflammation.
4. Motion tests and observation of the dogs gait and posture.
5. Palpation of the limbs, neck and spine.
After the physical examination, additional procedures may involve X-rays, blood tests, and in severe cases, surgery. The vet will advise whether or not other procedures are needed to determine the extent of the damage arthritis has done, and prescribe a proper treatment.
Most likely, immediate concerns will be pain management. Typical medication prescribed by vets for canine arthritis is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, more and more vets are now turning to other forms of treatments to manage joint problems. Promising nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin have moved onto the list of viable treatments.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are gaining in popularity among vets because of the success seen in pets afflicted with joint problems. Glucosamine and chondroitin work to treat canine arthritis right at the point of damage itself. Glucosamine assists in repairing damaged cartilage tissue while chondroitin helps provide lubrication to the affected joints. Repairing damaged tissue is much better than just blocking pain with NSAIDs. Glucosamine and chondroitin do not carry with them the adverse side effects of NSAIDs. The list of side effects associated with these powerful drugs would have any pet owner concerned. Advancements in glucosamine formulas specifically designed to fight arthritic joints have been developed and are rapidly becoming accepted by vets as a preferred form of therapy for qualifying arthritic patients of theirs.
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