Osteoarthritis does not discriminate. In fact, arthritis



affects one in every five adult dogs across the United

States and it is one of the most common reasons that family

dogs end up at the vet's office. Osteoarthritis is a

degenerative disease that results in loss of mobility,

painful joints, and ultimately a decreased quality of life.

Essentially, the stiffness and swelling are no different in

dogs than what we might experience as humans.

Inside the dog's body, there are three types of joints:

gliding, as in ankles and wrists; hinged, as in elbows and

knees; and ball and socket, as in shoulders and hips. Each

of the joints is kept apart by cartilage and soft

connective tissue that act as shock absorbing cushions at

the ends of the bones. The cushion is comprised of

synovial fluid, which is dispensed in the dog's body

automatically, except in the case of a trauma or the aging

process that thins the fluid cushion. The cushion may also

be compromised by repeated stressing of the particular

joint over time. This is likely to occur in dogs who work

as agility competitors or dogs that, over time love jumping

up and down from furniture, tailgates, etc.

Dogs almost always exhibit osteoarthritic problems as a

result of trauma that occurs to a specific joint.

Generally caused by an injury or direct physical problem

related to a joint, a dog will sometimes react within weeks

and begin the joint degeneration, inflammation, and

discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.

Some of the less common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs

may have origins in food allergies, insect or parasite

problems, or obesity.

Osteoarthritis Tidbit:

A dog that has quick growth spurts,particularly large or

giant breeds, can be more susceptible to osteoarthritis

problems because of rapid growth in the long bones.

If bones or joints are injured or compromised by disease,

inflammation can occur. A dog's hips, knees, and elbows

are the most common and vulnerable sites for

osteoarthritis. The disorder is caused by a deterioration

of joint cartilage, where eventually bone will rub against

bone. Sometimes it will take years of repeated stress on

the joint, before there is enough thinning or the synovial

fluid to cause friction and pain inside the dog's body.

This happens because cartilage has no nerves.

The condition is recognized by its distinguishing

characteristics that can range from mild to debilitating.

Canine companions are unable to speak but will show

evidence of their pain in any of the following ways:

Limping or favoring a limb

Holding back in rising from a "down" or "sit" position

Hesitance to climb into or out of the car

Labored climbing stairs or jumping onto a sofa or bed

Personality changes (snapping, growling, withdrawal)

Sensitivity to touch in the painful area

Playing less

Sleeping more

Weight fluctuations

Avoidance of walking or running

These symptoms reinforce that it is essential to have

annual examinations for your dog.

There is not a cure for canine osteoarthritis. However,

there are treatments available that will manage the pain

and discomfort of your companion dog. The options are wide

ranging and are able to slow the progress of the disease

and lessen the need for pharmaceutical intervention.

When determining how you will manage your canine

companion's osteoarthritis is of the utmost importance so

that you will be able to have years of happiness together.

Consider what is available through your veterinarian; do

you want to choose a traditional treatment with surgery and

pharmaceuticals or a more alternative approach?

With the assistance of acupuncture, herbs, nutritional

supplements and hydrotherapy, you and your dog will smile.

Modification of diet and exercise and perhaps a few small

adjustments to life at home, things will be nearly as they

were.

Do what is best for you and your furry companion.

Remember that they trust us to make the best decisions

possible.