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Spotting Arthritis
in Spot
Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages -- including children
-- but also strikes our furry friends, too. If you’re a dog-owner, you make
sure your buddy takes his heartworm medicine, eats well, looks bright-eyed and
playful, and greets you as only a doggy can when you come home. You notice
changes in mood and activity, so if your pet isn’t feeling his best you may
suspect a cold or stomach virus – but it could be arthritis. In fact,
arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the
most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
Spot’s
Pals Are Early Diagnosis and Treatment
How do you know if it’s arthritis? Your dog can’t explain what’s wrong
with him, so it’s important to watch his non-verbal communication closely and
take even subtle changes seriously.
Signs
that your dog may have arthritis include:
-
Favoring
a limb
- Difficulty
sitting or standing
- Sleeping
more
- Seeming
to have stiff or sore joints
- Hesitancy
to jump, run or climb stairs
- Weight
gain
- Decreased
activity or less interest in play
- Attitude
or behavior changes
- Being
less alert
If
your dog seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take him to
your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation, which will involve a physical
exam and possibly X-rays. The best thing to do for your dog in managing his
arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible.
Treating
canine arthritis is similar to that of human osteoarthritis.
Therapies may include:
- Healthy diet and exercise
to help maintain proper weight.
- Working with your
veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.
- Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
are the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs.
- You can also use
over-the-counter pet treatments with your dog, such as pills or food containing
either glucosamine
and chondroitin
sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms
of arthritis in dogs.
- Your veterinarian may
prescribe both an NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help
decrease pain and disease progression.
Never
give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic
to dogs -- particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- and a safe dose will
differ between a greyhound and a dachshund.
No matter how you decide to
treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with a veterinarian to ensure
that you select a program that helps your best buddy.
Next
– From Dino to Fido
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