Joint Diseases in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Joint diseases are a very serious ailment that affects mobility and ability to move, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. It comes with age, but can also appear much earlier due to heredity. In large breeds, dysplasia in dogs is a significant problem. Defective bone and soft tissue formation also leads to the development of degenerative changes over time. All diseases can be diagnosed with X-rays, so do not wait until the last minute when you see something happening, even in puppies! It is essential to visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
How to recognize joint disease in a dog?
It's hard not to notice - the first thing that catches your eye is a "stiff gait," as well as pain when getting up, and they also lose enthusiasm for play. When we see symptoms of arthritis in our four-legged friend, it's worth visiting a vet, as we can significantly improve the dog's condition if we react in time. The therapy will not be short and will certainly require time and sacrifice, but what can compare to the health of our pet? Also read: Preventive health check for dogs - do you remember about it?
Are human joint medications suitable for dogs?
It is important to remember a very important issue - a dog's body does not function the same as a human's, and if you care about your dog's well-being, do not give medications on your own. Every medication carries side effects, and human joint medications for dogs can be harmful if an incorrect dose is given, and drug poisoning leads to a variety of complications. By law, a veterinarian is obliged to first treat a dog with veterinary medications, and the use of human medications is a last resort. The veterinarian does this at their own risk and supports their choice with their knowledge, which allows them to select the appropriate remedy and establish the correct dosage.
What causes joint problems in dogs?
This condition can affect any dog, at any age. There are many causes, but they are divided into infectious and non-infectious inflammations. Joint diseases due to infectious inflammations in dogs can be caused by microorganisms that have entered the body through wounds, injuries, foreign bodies, or through the blood. Similarly, tick-borne diseases cause inflammation. Most often, infectious diseases attack large limb joints, such as the knee, elbow, hip, or shoulder joint. Speaking of non-infectious inflammations, these are most often immunological problems that accompany other diseases, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. This is not a disease exclusively of older dogs; young animals of smaller breeds often suffer from it. The joints are attacked symmetrically and over time undergo permanent damage. Overweight, accidents, or injuries can also cause joint stiffness later in life.
It is worth brushing your dog after a walk. This reduces the risk of getting a tick.
Also read: How to effectively protect your dog from ticks?
How to deal with dog joint diseases?
Depending on the cause, the pet is treated differently. After a full diagnosis, we can only adapt to the guidelines of the veterinarian. The therapy is long, and in some cases, it must be continued for the rest of our friend's life. We support with pain relievers and various supplements. For dog joint care, the veterinarian will certainly prescribe a range of medications that should be purchased, and also advise on what supplements and in what doses our four-legged friend should take them.
Balanced diet for dogs
It is worth taking care of it from the very beginning - food should be given in appropriate amounts, taking into account the dog's energy requirements. Overweight dogs should absolutely be slimmed down. In general, it is best to consult a veterinarian regarding the choice of food, as there are foods that contain supplements for a dog's diet that we would otherwise administer separately. Foods with chondroprotectors are widely available and will certainly help in the fight for better activity of our four-legged friend.
This soft knot is not only a good addition to a dog's diet but also dental prophylaxis.
Appropriate amount of exercise
Regular exercise, but without overexertion, is highly recommended. A calm walk on a leash, and the best for all joint diseases is swimming. You can ask your veterinarian about dog physiotherapy - perhaps there is a clinic near you that specializes in such treatments and can support the therapy. No running after balls, jumping, and if possible - limit your dog's use of stairs.
What joint medication for dogs?
As mentioned above, it is not recommended to administer medications on your own. Joint medications for dogs are mainly from the pain-relieving and supportive groups. The doctor may sometimes recommend antibiotics, which can be prescribed for several weeks to achieve a specific treatment goal. In some cases, surgical intervention will be necessary – cleaning the joint, removing foreign bodies, or performing other procedures aimed at improving joint function and reducing discomfort in the dog. When the problem lies in the immune system, the veterinarian may even prescribe steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Close cooperation with the doctor, who will cyclically perform routine examinations to monitor the treatment, is very important here. Dietary supplements with chondroprotectors are also helpful – they improve the condition of articular cartilage and increase the viscosity of synovial fluid. They may contain additional ingredients aimed at reducing pain and improving joint function. Collagen for dogs is highly recommended, but it's worth asking a veterinarian who can recommend it based on their experience. Do not underestimate the problem if you see the beginnings of joint disease. It would be a shame for the dog to suffer later, and in the early stage, wonders can be achieved by implementing appropriate therapy.
