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Video on Cognitive Dysfunction In Dogs
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Cognitive Dysfunction In Dogs
Emily Derby
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.
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