Arthritis in Dogs R.D. Hawkins If you have had the pleasure of owning an aging dog, or perhaps do now, you likely know a little something about arthritis in dogs. In this article we will venture past the obvious and delve a little deeper into the causes and symptoms of certain types of arthritis in dogs. A solid definition for arthritis is dogs would go something like this: Arthritis in dogs can be defined as a degenerative condition that affects one or more joints with most cases occurring because of an orthopedic disease such as hip dysplasia (osteochondrosis), or a joint injury of some sort. A lesser number of cases are caused by infections of the joint or one of a handful of immune mediated joint disease. Now if you have a few minutes to spare why don’t we delve a little deeper into dog arthritis. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of joint problems both in people and their pets. This common disease affects just over 20 percent of dogs during their lifetime. That said, it might surprise you to learn that osteoarthritis isn’t solely reserved for aging dogs. Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, joint trauma, patella luxation, and other joint conditions can be responsible for degenerative joint disease in dogs as well. Large breeds and dogs that may have gained access to their masters ice cream sandwich stash (overweight), are more likely to fall victim to degenerative joint disease due to extra strain placed on ligaments and joints. Small dogs are far less likely to experience degenerative joint disease. Once osteoarthritis appears the affected dog will show varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain which is likely to be at its worst in the morning, after periods of inactivity, and on cold damp days. Behavioral changes such as irritability, aggression, reluctance to participate in favorite activities, or even self imposed isolationism are commonly seen in pets with osteoarthritis. Degenerative joint disease is progressive and must be taken seriously! If allowed to continue over time osteoarthritis will substantially reduce a dogs quality of life, possibly resulting in a sad existence. It is also important to point out that pain relief medications that provide temporary relief will only mask the symptoms and may accelerate joint damage over time as the dog becomes more active making natural joint and cartilage rebuilding supplements a viable option worth considering. Confirming the presence of osteoarthritis is made primarily through joint X-rays that show bone spurs at points where the ligaments and joint capsule attach to the bone. There may be varying degrees of joint space narrowing and increased density of bone around the joint. Immune-Mediated Arthritis This is an odd group of disease in which antibodies are directed against the dog’s own connective tissue. Immune-mediated arthritis may or may not cause destruction within the joint. If destruction does occur it is known as erosive arthritis. In erosive arthritis both joint and cartilage are destroyed. If no destruction in joint, cartilage, or tissue has occurred but inflammation is present the condition is referred to as nonerosive arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of immune mediated arthritis and falls into the category of erosive arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can be quite serious and occurs primarily in toy breeds and other small breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs. It is characterized by morning stiffness, shifting lameness, and swelling of the smaller joints, particularly the wrists and hocks. Such symptoms as loss of appetite, lymphadenopathy, and fever are accompanying features. Nonerosive arthritis is most often seen in midsize and large breed dogs around 6 years of age. The cause is unknown. Symptoms are loss of appetite, joint swelling, lameness that often shifts from limb to limb, and fever. Another form of nonerosive arthritis occurs with systemic lupus erythematosus. Confirming the presence of immune mediated arthritis is done with the help of laboratory tests and X-rays. Synovial fluid evaluation is another helpful tool used by veterinarians to distinguish immune medicated arthritis from infectious arthritis and osteoarthritis. Infectious Arthritis Arthritis caused by infectious disease is more common than one might initially think, especially in areas where ticks are a problem. Rickettsial arthritis is seen with Rocky Mountain spotted fever canine ehrlichiosis, and spirochetal arthritis with Lyme disease. Fungal arthritis is a rare complication of a systemic fungal infection.
pain is one of the most crippling conditions to an animal. That’s why Vetionx Pet Health developed Arthro-IonX, a proprietary homeopathic blend created to supply your pet with the most potent vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help his joints care for themselves. On site review - Arthro-IonX - Continue |
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