Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘joints’

Dog Arthritis and its causes can be broken down into two main categories and two subcategories:

1.  Degenerative Joint Disease:

              Degenerative Joint Disease develops from acute or chronic trauma to a joint.

                                Acute Traumatic Arthritis – marked by a sudden injury or accident of some sort.An injury that disrupts the joints will cause inflammation that will then have the potential to lead to dog arthritis.It is possible that deterioration of the joint will not set in if the degree of the injury was minimal.  

                                 Repeat trauma-induced arthritis – brought on by any repetitive stress on unstable joints.  The joints may be unstable in a dog that has poor conformation or the activity itself my cause instability.  A young puppy with developing joints is also suseptible to trauma to the joints if asked to do repetitive strenuous exercise such as jogging long distances.Being overweight will subject the joints to excessive stress.In most cases you will not notice any signs of pain until it is too late, the damage is extensive.This is true because cartilage does not contain any nerves.Pain sets in only after extensive damage has occurred to the cartilage. 

                Stress or trauma, whether it be acute or chronic, causes the joints to release large amounts of an enzyme that breaks down cartilage.  This is a normal enzyme that would normally maintain a balance of buildup and breakdown of cartilage,  however in the case of arthritis, the break down occurs too rapidly.

                Degenerative Joint Disease cannot be entirely reversed but it can be managed with weight control, exercise, and arthritis medicine for dogs.Dog arthritis medicine can include nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies.  Glucosamine for dogs is a particularly popular and effective way to help manage the pain of dog arthritis.  The safety of glucosamine for dogs is also an important factor.

      2.   Inflammatory Joint Disease:

            Inflammatory Joint Disease is less common than degenerative joint disease and develops from either an infection or an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in a joint.

                     Infective Arthritis – can occur if a joint becomes infected as a result of a wound, such as a bite or penetrating object.  The other possible route of infection is from the bloodstream.The treatment includes veterinary care in the form of antibiotics and potentially draining and cleaning directly into the joint.

                     Autoimmune Arthritis – normally affects multiple joints.  Rheumatoid Arthritis is an example of an autoimmune arthritis.In an autoimmune disorder, the body does not recognize its own tissues but rather reacts as if it was a foreign substance.  The underlying cause of auto immune arthritis in dogs is not known. 

             Inflammatory joint disease requires immediate attention from a veterinarian and medications available only from a veterinarian.

Dogs can suffer from arthritis just like humans. Normally, the bones near their joints are covered with protective cartilage. When they walk, run, or move in any way, the cartilage on the ends of the bones rub against each other. There is no discomfort because there are no nerves present in the material. However, over time, that protective covering slowly deteriorates. When that happens, the underlying bones are exposed to one another; when your pooch moves, they rub together and cause pain.

Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the factors that contribute to - or exacerbate - the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

As canines age, the cartilage that prevents their bones from rubbing against each other naturally wears away. Nearly all breeds are affected by this which is commonly known as primary DJD. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. If the problem has progressed to an advanced stage, a canine might lose his appetite and become reclusive.

How To Manage The Problem

Because degenerative joint disease is progressive, the level of discomfort increases over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. In fact, veterinarians will often recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribe medications if a dog is severely overweight.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

As soon as you know your dog has arthritis, ask your vet for a treatment path. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

Find the best Dog Treats and Dog Chews at http://www.bestbullysticks.com