| As Beagles grow older, it is undeniably true that the | | | | ruptured cruciate (knee) ligaments. |
| health deteriorates too. Whether they are well-taken | | | | Another type of canine arthritis is inflammatory joint |
| cared of or not, there is always a risk of developing | | | | disease. Inflammatory joint disease can be caused |
| diseases as dogs age. But sometimes, disease that | | | | either by infection or immune-mediated diseases. This |
| usually affects older dogs can also be seen in young | | | | type of arthritis usually affects multiple joints and is |
| ones. One of these diseases is the canine arthritis. | | | | accompanied by fever, anorexia and all-over stiffness. |
| Just like any other organs and systems in the body, | | | | Inflammatory joint disease is further subdivided into |
| the skeletal system plays an important role in | | | | two; infectious and immune-mediated diseases. |
| promoting normal health condition among dogs. It is | | | | Infectious disease can be caused by bacteria while |
| composed of bones, cartilage and ligaments. These | | | | immune-mediated disease is caused by weakness in |
| organs are responsible in providing the body with | | | | the immune system. This type of arthritis can also be |
| framework, protecting the internal organs and in | | | | hereditary. |
| providing a full range of motion. When one of these | | | | Signs of arthritis in Beagles include reluctance to walk, |
| bones or joints is damaged, the dog's normal activity | | | | climb stairs, jump or play. Gradual limping and swelling |
| will surely be affected. | | | | around a joint can also be seen. Your dog will also |
| Canine arthritis occurs when there is an inflammation in | | | | exhibit tenderness when flexing a joint and may hold |
| the joints of a dog. Dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages | | | | its breath or stop panting when an affected joint is |
| can develop arthritis though older dogs are more prone | | | | used. Decrease in appetite is also present in canine |
| to this disease. Canine arthritis is categorized into two; | | | | arthritis. |
| degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint | | | | Severe arthritis can be treated usually through surgery. |
| disease. | | | | But there are some cases when surgery is not |
| Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis | | | | needed anymore. Non-surgical treatment of arthritis |
| occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones that | | | | includes painkillers, exercise, rest and diet. Dog owners |
| make up the joint is damaged. Cartilage is damaged | | | | should carefully read the product label of dog foods to |
| when there is a normal stress on abnormal joints or | | | | check its content. But the amount of food and |
| abnormal stress on normal joints. Degenerative joint | | | | frequency of feeding should be regulated as well to |
| disease is further subdivided into two; primary and | | | | prevent obesity. Exercise is another step to prevent |
| secondary. Primary degenerative disease has no | | | | obesity in dogs. But Beagles with arthritis should only |
| known cause. On the other hand, secondary disease | | | | have limited and gentle exercise. They should also be |
| can be the result of hip dysplasia, patella luxation (loose | | | | restricted from doing strenuous activities. |
| kneecap), osteochondritis dissecans, trauma and | | | | |