The incidence of arthritis does not just concern humans but dogs as well. Dogs may suffer from a range of types such as immune-mediated arthritis, infective arthritis, idiopathic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The last one is the more prevalent type of arthritis that affects dogs.
How to detect arthritis in dogs
Since dogs do not possess the kind of communication that humans, actions speak louder than words. All they can do is manifest their feelings, especially pain, through changes in their behavior.
Arthritis pain in dogs is indicated by lameness and decreased energy and activity in dogs. Lameness may be caused by swollen or inflamed joints which hinder dogs from performing as they used to. You will observe that your dog will be less inclined and more reluctant to go for walks, fetch things, and even respond to your calls. If your pet has a hard time getting up, or gets up slowly, they may be fighting pain. Osteoarthritis lessens their fervor and minimizes movement and activity.
What causes arthritis in dogs?
The causes of arthritis in dogs are very much the same as those that bring about human arthritis. Osteoarthritis in dogs is frequently caused by the everyday wear and tear of the joints dues to strenuous activities. Traumatic injuries such as the tearing of a ligament or tendon cause osteoarthritis as well and may result to further joint instability. Apart from these, weight problems have also been found to contribute in the incidence of arthritis in dogs because excess pounds apply more pressure to the cartilages that absorb the weight in the joints.
Genetics also play a role in the occurrence of arthritis in dogs. As in the case of hip dysplasia, joints in the hips are weak and unstable due to a genetic problem. In addition, proper bone development in young dogs causes the gradual progress of arthritis.
What can be done?
As in every case of arthritis, diagnosis is important. A dog that is suspected to be suffering from osteoarthritis must be observed by a veterinarian immediately so as to determine an effective treatment for the arthritis.
Most people treat arthritis pain in dogs as they would treat arthritis in humans. It is because treatment for both cases is usually similar. However, they differ in some ways. First of all, aspirins will not work on dogs primarily because they have a different digestive mechanism. At best, their bodies will be neutral to the effects of aspirin and at worse, they can react negatively and incur mild to serious health problems ranging from mild gastrointestinal problems to diarrhea to gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcer, and perforations. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also sometimes used to bring pain relief and rehabilitate damaged joints that cause arthritis in dogs. However, these should be properly monitored by a trusted and credible veterinarian because side effects may be similar to those of painkillers.
In severe cases of osteoarthritis, especially those that result from a misshapen joint or a severely damaged joint, surgery is often conducted to correct the condition.
Are there alternative treatments?
One treatment becoming more and more recommended by Veterinarians is glucosamine chondroitin. Products like liquid formula Synflex for Pets are becoming very popular and quite successful in alleviating the symptoms and pain associated with joint problems in pets. Synflex for Pets, in its liquid form, makes administering and dosing very simple. The daily cost compared to prescribed drugs is much less in cost and the Syn-flex formula goes directly to the problem, aiding in cartilage repair to alleviate the pain. If your dog or any other pet is suffering the signs of arthritis, Syn-flex for Pets is a good choice. You can learn more of this break through product here at http://www.syn-flex-usa.com/
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