subject: The Effects of Arthritis in Dogs [print this page] The Effects of Arthritis in Dogs The Effects of Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis isn't just a human disease; it's one of the most common of the dog diseases too. Arthritis in dogs has always been a common problem, though with the advancement of science there are more and more viable solutions to make your pet's life a whole lot more comfortable than it once was.
What is Arthritis?
Simply put, arthritis in dogs is a term that is used to describe the inflammation of a joint which then causes pain as a result, or it is when an abnormal change occurs on the joint which causes the moving of it to be painful.
What Causes Arthritis in dogs?
Being a common problem, arthritis in dogs can be caused by a number of things, such as:
Injury to the join
Infection within the joint itself
Genetic defects
When the cartilage between the joint is lost, the two bony surfaces then rub, which causes a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. The more that the joint becomes inflamed, the more the tissues around the joint loosen and become elastic, thereby not supporting the joint as well as they should be.
NOTE: Arthritis in dogs is also sometimes mistaken for hip dysplasia in dogs, and vice versa. Check with your veterinarian to receive a proper diagnosis.
What Treatment is Available for Arthritis
When it comes to arthritis in dogs, the goal of any sort of treatment is to make your dog as comfortable as you possibly can. The number one medication on the market: anti-inflammatory agents. These are safe, effective, and can be used for pro-longed periods of time. If it is used for a long period of time, however, some blood tests will need to be done every once in a while to monitor the long-term effects of these medications on your pet.
NSAIDS, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are perhaps the most useful and most often prescribed. There may be some adverse side effects however, so keep a good watch over your dog if you first introduce them to treat arthritis in dogs.
Corticosteroids are also another option, but these are seldom used to treat arthritis in dogs given their common side effects.
NOTE: Never ever administer any over the counter "human" drug to your dog without consulting your vet first. Though a lot of these drugs are safe or dogs, some such as Naproxen (also known as Alleve) and even Ibuprofen (Motren) have been known to cause serious medical issue that far surpass the discomfort of arthritis in dogs.
