Canine Osteoarthritis: Symptoms and Therapeutic Approaches
You’ll reap the rewards of the very strong emotional link that forms between owner and pet by taking on the enormous responsibility of bringing a dog into your home. You will be able to observe your dog go through a variety of physiological changes as it ages. The musculoskeletal system is one of your pet’s anatomical elements that might be most negatively impacted by aging.
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The symptoms and management of osteoarthritis in dogs, the joint condition that affects older animals most frequently, are discussed in this AnimalWised article.
What brings on osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis typically results from a secondary cause such trauma, swelling, obesity, or very rigorous physical activity. However, some breeds, including Labrador retrievers and German shepherds, have a genetic propensity.
Dogs with Osteoarthritis:
Symptoms and Treatment What brings on osteoarthritis in dogs?
Canine osteoarthritis signs
Your dog may exhibit one or more of the several symptoms of canine osteoarthritis depending on the disease’s severity, which can range from mild to severe.
The following images and indications could all be symptoms of osteoarthritis:
Lethargy Stiffness
whining and growling
Hiding
preventing motion
Angry reaction if someone tries to touch the injured area
Lameness
Laziness following exercise
difficulty getting to my feet
Having trouble moving
reduced appetite
Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you see any of these symptoms so they can examine it and determine the best course of action. To confirm the osteoarthritis diagnosis, the vet will give the dog a thorough physical examination. They may also use X-rays to validate the diagnosis.
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How is osteoarthritis in dogs treated?
The goal of treating canine osteoarthritis should be to reduce discomfort, increase mobility, and improve quality of life for your dog while halting further cartilage deterioration. Along with the use of medications, this treatment also involves food and hygiene recommendations.
Only the veterinarian can decide on the course of treatment that should be taken, but full recovery from osteoarthritis typically happens in the following ways:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can be used to treat inflammation and pain more effectively, providing rapid symptom relief.
body weight loss, if necessary.
adaptation of physical activity to low-impact exercise while accounting for the dog’s inflammatory level.
Surgery is not typically the primary course of treatment, although it can be necessary if the dog needs a joint manipulation.
Dogs with Osteoarthritis:
Symptoms and Treatment How is osteoarthritis in dogs treated?
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Dogs with Osteoarthritis:
Symptoms and Treatment
This essay serves only as information. AnimalWised lacks the legal right to diagnose a condition or recommend a course of therapy for animals. We encourage you to take your pet to the vet if they experience any pain or illness.
