| ou know that dogs are affected by arthritis just like | | | | (SLE) |
| humans? And just as with humans, there are many | | | | This type of arthritis is a polysystemic disease which |
| causes and classifications of canine arthritis. The term | | | | affects the joints. The disease causes the |
| arthritis actually means inflammation of the joint. This | | | | dog’s immune system to attack the body and |
| inflammation can be triggered by aging, trauma, | | | | damage the organs, joints, and skin. |
| ruptured tendons, torn ligaments, degenerative joint | | | | Canine Arthritis: Symptoms |
| disease and also lack of activity. Below are some of | | | | A common sign for the dog to display if he is suffering |
| the common forms of canine arthritis: | | | | from arthritis is to have stiffness in the morning. He |
| Canine Arthritis: Osteoarthritis | | | | may appear to have pain and not want to be picked |
| This form of canine arthritis is the most common and it | | | | up or touched in certain places on his body. He may |
| is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. This | | | | favor a particular limb while walking and may develop |
| type of arthritis is a slowly progressing disease which | | | | a limp. The dog may also become lethargic and not |
| causes the breakdown of the cartilage inside a joint. | | | | have an interest in physical activity. He may hesitate to |
| Cartilage is a special type of tissue that swathes the | | | | jump or have difficulty standing or sitting. |
| bones where they come in contact with each other to | | | | Canine Arthritis: Treatments |
| provide shock absorption and lubrication. This provides | | | | Unfortunately there is no cure for canine arthritis as of |
| pain free and frictionless movement. When the | | | | today but there are methods to control the symptoms. |
| cartilage becomes damaged, osteoarthritis begins to | | | | The primary treatment is for the purpose of pain |
| develop. When the body is unable to repair the | | | | management, and pain relief lotions have proven to be |
| damaged cartilage, pain and inflammation sets in | | | | effective for treating the stiffness and aches |
| followed by permanent damage to the joint. | | | | associated with canine arthritis. Sometimes, surgery is |
| Canine Arthritis: Infectious Arthritis | | | | recommended but usually the less extreme treatment |
| This type of arthritis is caused by a growth of | | | | methods will be attempted first. The best thing to do is |
| microorganisms within a joint. The infection can start in | | | | consult with your veterinarian who can advise you on |
| the joint, or spread there from a different place in the | | | | how best to care for your ailing dog so he will receive |
| body which is the case with Lyme disease. Lyme | | | | the best care possible. Your vet may try such |
| disease is transmitted by ticks and can affect one or | | | | supplements as chondroitin and glucosamine which |
| more joints. | | | | have both been shown to be useful in reducing |
| Canine Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis | | | | inflammation and slowing the degenerative process in |
| This form of arthritis is not common and usually strikes | | | | dogs. These substances work by drawing fluid into the |
| middle aged or older dogs belonging to the smaller | | | | joints which helps the body to repair the damage to |
| breeds. | | | | the cartilage. |
| Canine Arthritis: Systematic Lupus Erythematosus | | | | |