Pet Forum

It is very common for an older dog to develop canine arthritis. Virtually every elderly dog will have arthritis. Let's talk about the causes of arthritis in dogs, symptoms that can help you recognize the signs of canine arthritis, and treatments that can help your dog's bones not hurt so much.

There is no doubt that certain dog breed, such as the labrador and golden retriever, have an inherited predisposition to arthritis. This generic predisposition is known as primary osteoarthritis and presents in conditions such as hip dysplasia. Far more common is secondary osteoarthritis which arises as a result of injury to the joint due to traffic accidents, abnormal stresses or infection.

Canine arthritis is a very painful joint inflammation and joint degeneration. It is devastating for any dog to deal with. May people can't tell that their dogs have this condition because canines often have a hard time displaying that they are in pain. They can't exactly walk up and tell you that they are hurting. So what are some of the symptoms of canine arthritis? One of the first signs of dog arthritis you should notice is changes in behavior. Some of these changes are: trouble getting up, reduced motion, slow moving, avoiding stairs, slow to lie down, walking very carefully, avoiding jumping, playing less or not playing at all, sleeping more often, less excited to see you when you come home, and weight gain. If you notice even one of these symptoms in your dog, take your pet to a vet.

Before trying any canine arthritis treatment options, you should get an accurate diagnosis of the dog's health which is usually done by a physical exam combined with x-rays performed at your veterinarian's office. Get an accurate diagnosis before you determine the treatment for dog health care. Treatment and prevention are personal choices but involve several options when considering the dog's health. Traditional medicine involves the use of Rimadyl. Rimadyl is effective but must be used with caution because it can cause liver failure in some breeds.