| As our dogs get older, they become subject to a | | | | probably suggest a treatment approach that includes, |
| number of age-related diseases like canine arthritis. | | | | weight control, adaptive solutions, moderate exercise, |
| Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints | | | | pain medication and even non-prescription |
| characterized by a loss of cartilage that can cause | | | | chondoprotective medicines. The dogs that suffer |
| increasing pain and disability as the dog grows older. | | | | most from arthritis are those that are overweight. If |
| Larger dogs are more susceptible either through | | | | your pet falls into this category then your first step |
| inheritance or as a result of obesity. The joints that | | | | is to slim down your pooch through diet and exercise. |
| are usually affected are the hips, elbows and knees | | | | You should also look at adapting your daily routine to |
| with the most prevalent being the hips. Treatments | | | | maximize your dog's quality of life. This may be as |
| can be as simple as anti-inflammatory medicines and | | | | simple as moving your daily walk from morning to |
| exercise or as complex as joint replacement. The | | | | evening when your dog is more limber. You may |
| first step in treating our beloved companion is to | | | | want to do two shorter walks to replace your |
| recognize the symptoms of age-related canine | | | | normal long walk. You might also provide a ramp so |
| arthritis. | | | | your dog can climb up onto his favorite couch or bed |
| Arthritis Symptoms - Arthritis is a progressive disease | | | | more easily. You should consider moving your dog's |
| that becomes more severe over time. The early | | | | bed into the main level of the house so she doesn't |
| signs of arthritis are changes in your dogs' behavior | | | | have to climb as many stairs. Moderate exercise is an |
| and activity level. Many owners do not realize their | | | | important requirement in managing your dog's arthritis. |
| dogs may be in some pain as a result of | | | | Swimming would be ideal if possible, as it exercises all |
| osteoarthritis. These arthritis symptoms usually | | | | the joints. Swimming may not be practical so many |
| include one or more of the following. | | | | short daily walks is a good alternative. Your |
| - Your dog may refuse or be reluctant to go on | | | | veterinarian may prescribe nonsteroidal |
| walks or may show some discomfort and start to | | | | anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medicines such as Aspirin, |
| tire easily. | | | | Carprofen or Etodolac to control the joint |
| - Your dog may be reluctant to go up or down stairs | | | | inflammation and pain. Some vets may suggest |
| or jump up on his favorite couch. | | | | non-prescription chondoprotective medicines such as |
| - You may also notice your dog has difficulty lying | | | | glucosamine and chondroitin. The FDA has also |
| down or getting up. This may be more evident in the | | | | approved an injectable chondoprotective drug called |
| early morning when joint stiffness is usually at its | | | | Adequan that has had some success. |
| worst. | | | | Surgery - Surgery has become a viable alternative to |
| - Your dog may circle for a long period of time | | | | treating the pain and disability of arthritis and even hip |
| before lying down. | | | | dysplasia. Complete hip or elbow replacements have |
| - Your dog may limp when walking. | | | | become more common and quite successful. A partial |
| If you are starting to see one or more of these | | | | hip replacement procedure called a Femoral Head |
| symptoms, it is time to discuss this situation with | | | | Ostectomy, (where the head of the thighbone or ball |
| your veterinarian. | | | | is removed), has been very successful. A range of |
| Depending on the severity of the symptoms he will | | | | arthroscopic procedures involving joint "washout", |
| probably discuss a pain management approach or a | | | | cartilage repairs and ligament repairs are now |
| surgical approach. | | | | available. In some cases knee, elbow, ankle or wrist |
| Pain Management - The goal is to decrease pain and | | | | joints can be fused to eliminate pain. The fused joint |
| slow down the progression of the arthritis while | | | | will cause the dog to walk with a limp but it will be |
| improving your dog's quality of life. Your vet will | | | | without pain. |