Disease Arthritis or Joint Disorders in Dogs.

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that causes inflammation of one or more joints, characterized by pain. Arthritis is caused by a decrease / malfunctioning of cartilage that serves to cover and protect the bones that form the joint so as not to bump into each other. Once the bones are in conflict, which will cause a sense of very sick.

What are the symptoms of arthritis in dogs? 

Dogs that have arthritis usually have the following symptoms: 

- Walking stiff 

- Limited movement or experiencing a loss of flexibility in their joints 

- Lame 

- It seems stiff or uncomfortable when getting up from a lying position 

- There appears to be swollen joints, stiffness or pain 

- Pain when touched in certain body parts 

- Hesitant or difficulties when trying to jump, run or climb stairs 

How is arthritis diagnosed? 

Usually the veterinarian will perform a physical examination, taking radiographs, and other diagnostic test to help find the cause of the pain in your dog. The doctor will also examine your dog's medical history prior to injury and consider if there is a possibility of heredity.

What causes arthritis occur? Arthritis can occur as a result of: - Infections joints - Dislocation - Trauma - heredity or genetic factors, such as hip dysplasia - Problem immune system - Obesity / Overweight - Injury ligaments, tendons or muscles - Fractures involving joints - Aging and bone erosion naturally prone.

Note: If a large breed dog ever suffered an injury or sprain during infancy, it can cause them to develop arthritis later in life. 

What kind of dog or breed that is prone to arthritis? 

Despite the large dog breeds such as the Mastiff and Great Dane are prone to arthritis, this condition may also develop in all kinds of races and mixtures as a result of joint infection, dislocation, trauma or genetic factors. Dogs older age also often experience arthritis as a result of aging. 

Do Arthritis can be prevented? 

Keeping your dog to stay fit with exercise and proper nutrition, in some cases can help prevent arthritis, or may slow down development if the condition is already present in the body. In fact, if you include a large breed dog, it is required to monitor the type and amount of food that is given when the bones are still developing. However, the condition of arthritis is not always predictable or preventable, especially inherited. 

How is arthritis treated? 

After arthritis symptoms appear, there is no cure. It's important for you to work with your veterinarian to make a program to minimize the pain your dog while keeping him healthy. Generally, several treatments may be performed: 

- The possibility of the use of antibiotics, painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs 

- Possible use of nutritional supplements to help complete cartilage 

- A healthy diet and regular, moderate exercise training or 

- Weight loss, if needed. 

Note: do not give human medications to your dog without vet checked. 

Are dogs with arthritis are still able to practice? 

Generally, dogs with arthritis should engage in light exercise such as walking, swimming if possible. 

How can I make my dog ​​more comfortable? 

If your dog has arthritis, here are some ways you can make your dog more comfortable: 

- Provide a soft mattress 

- Playing with it in short time and light 

- Give a gentle massage and physical therapy.

- Put a bowl of food and water on a low table, raised feeder or something that can make them avoid the tension of the neck and spine

- Rearrange areas difficult to reach your dog to make it easier for him, 

- Feed them a special orthopedic beds 

- Give the dog portable ramps or tools to enable easy entry into the car or places that make it a must to jump or climb.