| Have you noticed any changes in your dog recently? | | | | confirmation. But here are some of the warning signs. |
| Maybe she has difficulty getting up, or moving around. It | | | | She has trouble getting up from a lying down position |
| could be that she has early signs of canine arthritis. | | | | and is reluctant to go up or down stairs. Instead of |
| Arthritis in dogs is similar to that in humans. There is a | | | | rushing ahead of you on walks like she used to do, she |
| degeneration of the joints that can result in pain and | | | | now lags behind you. You may even notice that she is |
| stiffness. In a healthy dog, the bones in the joint are | | | | limping or looks uncomfortable when walking. |
| covered in cartilage, which protects them and provides | | | | There are a number of treatment options available to |
| some shock absorbing capacity. As she gets older it is | | | | you. The first resort that a vet will often use is a |
| common for this layer of cartilage to become worn | | | | non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This is a |
| away, in severe case exposing the bone. This can | | | | medicine that will act to reduce the inflammation and it |
| lead to inflammation and resulting discomfort for your | | | | also has a pain killing effect. In dogs with serious canine |
| dog. | | | | arthritis the possibility of surgery may have to be |
| There are a number of causes of arthritis. For the | | | | considered. |
| most common form, osteoarthritis, age is a major | | | | There are also a number of alternative treatments that |
| factor. Older dogs are much more likely to be | | | | pet owners have tried, although there is no scientific |
| affected. Certain breeds are also more prone to | | | | evidence that they work. These include magnet |
| getting arthritis. If your dog has had a previous joint | | | | therapy, where strong magnets are placed close to |
| injury it may also mean that she is more likely to get | | | | the site of pain (possibly in a dog's blanket). |
| arthritis at a later time. | | | | It is important to remember that there is no cure as |
| The joints most commonly affected are the hips, | | | | such for canine arthritis. The treatment that is |
| knees and elbows. However any joint could become | | | | administered aims at relieving and reducing the |
| affected. | | | | symptoms of pain and inflammation. This should make |
| To have a diagnosis of canine arthritis, you should | | | | life for your dog more enjoyable. |
| always have your pet taken to the vets for | | | | |