What Causes The Pain And Sore Joints Many Older Dogs Suffer From?

Arthritis is a very old disease. Dinosaurs even
suffered from it. Although there is no cure yet
there are many things we can do to maintain
quality of life for our furry friends. There are
different kinds of arthritis in dogs and your
veterinarian will need to take X-rays and run
tests to properly diagnose which type it is. One
in five dogs will succumb to this disease.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form which
affects older and/or overweight dogs, although
many smaller breeds are also affected. Other
causes could be hip dysplasia, ligament rupture
and joint infection which may result from
injuries, bites or trauma. Inflammation can also
be caused by rheumatoid arthritis which is immune
mediated (the immune system is inappropriately
causing the disease; clotting cells in the body
are being destroyed).

Both bone and cartilage erode within the
affected joints. This condition may lead to
joint fixation. This is called ankylosis. It can
affect either a single joint. If more than one
joint is involved it is called poly arthritis.
Another type of arthritis which is immune
mediated is systematic lupus erythematosis.
Septic arthritis is usually brought on by
microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are
the main causes. Usually this affects only one
joint with swelling, heat, fever and pain. Your
dog is likely to become depressed and stop
eating.

Change in your dog's behavior will be his way of
communicating pain. Slowing down, reluctance to
jump, limping, licking of joints are some of the
tell-tale signs. If your veterinarian diagnoses
the beginnings of osteoarthritis he or she may
well suggest liquid glucosamine. This is a
perfectly natural supplement which aids the body
to naturally produce new tissue surrounding the
joint. The liquid form of glucosamine sulfate is
more readily absorbed by the body than pills or
chewables. When this is given consistently in
your dog's food, healing will occur within a
couple of months and often just weeks.

Although this is not a quick fix, the benefits
are long-lasting with no side-effects. However,
your veterinarian may well prescribe pain
medication and antibiotics depending on the
severity of the arthritis for a short period,
together with liquid glucosamine.

All pain medication has side-effects and your
veterinarian will want to take blood tests
beforehand to find out if your dog is able to
tolerate it. Steroids are given for immune
mediated as well as rheumatoid arthritis. As for
septic arthritis, tests will need to be taken to
determine the microorganism involved as well as
the antibiotic sensitivity.

Usually antibiotics are given for at least a
month, together with analgesics to stop
inflammation and pain as will . Swimming puts no
strain on joints and is an excellent help for
your dog with arthritis. Acupuncture is also
popular now, as are nutraceuticals. These are
natural foodstuffs which provide health benefits
in addition to their basic meals.

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Dog arthritis disease can safely be treated with
all natural glucosamine supplements which cause
almost no side effects in canines.
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