First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘Arthritis’

Taking care of your equines well being can be a tough job. The reality of the situation is horses have no capacity to peform a Mr Ed and talk to you about what is wrong with them can they? So obviously the only method the horse owner can provide good health care for ones horse is by using a keen eye.

This is even more important when it comes to horse arthritis and horse arthritis symptoms. So what things can you watch out for that could suggest your horse has arthritis?

Just like humans arthritis is afflicts us more as we get older. Arthritis can afflict younger horses however in the majority of cases old age is a factor and definitely if your horse is above 15 years of age.

If your horse is demonstarting any symptoms such as discomfort of the joints, swollen area, grating sounds from joints, lameness or stiffness then there is a good chance it has arthritis and need equine athritis treatment.

One of the most frequent arthritis suffering diagnosed in equines are caused by joint problems in assocaition with rheumatoid arthritis or in simpler terms the narrowing of the joint space. Perhaps one of the best options for alleviating the pain might be to test out non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs while others have treated the arthritis with intra-articular hyaluronic acid shots.

Your veterinarian put into practice the the most beneficial pain relieve treatment for your horse. Your vet can mostly likely be able to answer any questions about arthritis pain in your horse that you might be concerned with.

Equine joint supplements as for example glucosamine chondroitin (that aid with cartilage renewal and also in the maintenance of already healthy joints) are also used to treat degenerative joint disease.

Be aware that your vet might decide to do various tests to help find the cause of joint pain swelling in your horse. This can involve extracting the joint fluid from the infected area and unlock the mystery under a microscope. You may even be surprised to learn that your equine has gout pseudogout inflammation or maybe even an infection caused by the gout.

Remember in the best interest of your horse consult with your veterinarian before treatment begins about the possible side affects certain types of treatments might cause and how you can help your horse get well again or have a more comfortable existence if the problem is too bad to heal. Your vet might also have to examine other areas for any soft tissue damage related to the arthritis.

Horse supplements can be bought easily enough in most towns and perhaps even an online store being your best option for price. In particular if you have to use the treatment on a recurring basis.

In summary your horse is no different to people with arthritis difficulties with the very same stubborn form of arthritis being osteoarthritis degenerative joint disease and you need to consult with your vet for the best anti-inflammatory drugs to combat the situation.

Dogs can suffer from arthritis just like humans. Protective cartilage usually covers bones that are near their joints. When they walk, run, or move in any way, the cartilage on the ends of the bones rub against each other. There is no discomfort because there are no nerves present in the material. Over a period of many years the covering deteriorates. When that happens, the underlying bones are exposed to one another; when your pooch moves, they rub together and cause pain.

Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the factors that contribute to - or exacerbate - the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

Cartilage that protects bones from rubbing against each other is slowly worn away as canines age. Nearly all breeds are affected by this which is commonly known as primary DJD. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. Depending on the current stage, a dog could lose ihs appetitie and become more reclusive.

Managing the Problem

Degenerative joint disease is progressive, so discomfort tends to increase over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. In fact, veterinarians will often recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribe medications if a dog is severely overweight.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

Ask your veterinarian for treatment options of your dog does devleop arthritis. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

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Even those of us who do not have dogs at home know that dogs are highly prone to dog arthritis. How often have you viewed some dog which moves as if its joints are not exactly in working order? This is specifically the case with advanced aged and/or overweight canines that are largely inactive physically. Is this familiar? It could, because that is exactly the kind of life which brings on arthritis in people, as well. Nowadays, we refer to arthritis a lifestyle disease with reason.

Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in canines is very similar to arthritis in humans, because it is a degenerative disease that creates hardening of the joints and muscles. And as with men and women, arthritis in canines is quite usual as joints do, in the normal course of events, suffer an amount of wear and tear. And also as in people, arthritis – most usually osteoarthritis – in dogs can be an uncomfortably painful condition which, left untreated, causes great distress.

Age factor

One thing to consider is that arthritis can affect dogs at all ages. Yes, older dogs are more vulnerable to it, but that doesn’t mean younger dogs will not get it at all. And if a puppy or young dog has suffered an accident, this increases the chances of developing gog arthritis early. Also there are ailments that can help induce the onset of canine arthritis, such as the ailment known as hip dysplasia, which is a common cause of limping in dogs, and that can lead to arthritis later on.

First steps
Naturally, at the first signs of movement difficulty you should take your dog to a vet. Getting the right treatment is essential as dog arthritis is not  100% curable, but, given the right kind of dog arthritis treatment, it can be kept in check.

Of course, one of the most effective ways to combat dog arthritis is to give your dog plenty of exercise, which may sound paradoxical since exercise will cause increased joint movement, but is actually of great help. That is because the exercises are not meant to be vigorous physical workouts, which will no doubt worsen the condition, but perhaps a steady walk, which releases lubricating fluids for the joints and aid their smooth movement.

See it coming
There are also, of course, over-the-counter medicines that can at least help alleviate the pain of dog arthritis, though as we have already said, there is no permanent cure. But these medications are assuredly prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best chance for helping the onset of canine arthritive, which really are the best ways to treat canine arthritis. So, assuming that dogs have an average life span of 14 years, if your pet is getting near 10, you should know that it’s time to ask your vet about ways to keep your dog healthy so that dog arthritis does not strike.