Arthritis: Causes And Treatment

Subject: Arthritis: Causes And Treatment Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:47 pm

Arthritis: Causes And Treatment

If you've ever felt aches and pains in your joints, you have some idea
of what arthritis feels like. Now imagine enduring that pain on a daily
basis, week after week. Eventually you’ll do more than complain,
you'll go to the doctor for help. If you have a senior dog, you need to
know the symptoms of arthritis so you can give him the help he needs
when the time comes.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. With arthritis, the bones
rub together due to damage to the overlying cartilage and tissues that
would normally provide protection. The most common types of canine
arthritis are osteoarthritis, immune mediated arthritis and infectious
arthritis.
What causes this condition?
Some dogs are pre-disposed to arthritis. For example:

Dogs that have hip dysplasia, excessive strain on their joints, or previous injuries
Older dogs, particularly large dogs aged 5 years old and up, and smaller dogs aged 8 and up, and those that are overweight.

However, not all dogs that match those descriptions get arthritis.
Some dogs, just like people, never suffer from arthritis at all.
What are the symptoms?
If you think your dog may be experiencing the onset of arthritis
look for signs of stiffness and pain in the joints. Here’s what
to look for:

Stiffness on rising after a long rest that eventually seems to go away as your dog moves around.
Difficulty
going up or down stairs, rising from a sit, and/or performing other
movements that were formerly a part of your dog’s everyday life.
Limping.
Avoiding being touched or exhibiting pain when someone touches him.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from arthritis, take him to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and help.
How can I help ease my dog’s symptoms?
Although there is no cure for arthritis, with your vet’s help you can still do a lot to help your aging friend.
Controlled exercise. Although vigorous exercise may be
painful for an arthritic dog, exercise shouldn’t be avoided.
However, keep it gentle, such as low-impact exercises, like swimming
and walking. In fact, these exercises may actually help decrease the
symptoms of arthritis because they keep the joints moving and help
maintain muscle support.
Healthy weight. Being overweight puts more pressure on
a dog’s joints, and his symptoms may be worse. If your arthritic
dog is carrying around too much weight, you should consider putting him
on a calorie-controlled diet. Your vet can help you determine the
optimum weight for your dog.
Therapeutic massage. A comforting massage makes you
feel better, and it can do the same for your dog. If you know the
technique, you can massage your dog at home, or take him to a
professional dog masseuse. Either way, your dog will appreciate the
relief a massage will bring. If you choose to do this yourself
concentrate on areas that may be especially painful and stiff, such as
the muscles near your dog’s joints, and knead these areas gently.
Comfort and care. Arthritis pain is aggravated by the
cold, so keep your dog warm by adding an extra blanket or two to his
bed, and keep him inside on damp, cold days. Barometric changes in the
weather can also aggravate arthritis by causing pressure changes in the
joint.
Prescription medication. There are many medications
that can help ease the pain of arthritis. Your veterinarian will
recommend the type of medication most suitable to your dog based on the
type of arthritis he has. Never give medication to your dog without
consulting your vet first.
Proper diet. Feeding your dog food that's rich in
antioxidants reduces the stress of aging by fighting the free radicals
that are by-products of inflammatory processes, such as arthritis. Two
other nutrients that can also benefit joint health are glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate—natural compounds found within the body that
help provide lubrication and nourishment to your dog's joints. PEDIGREE + Healthy Joints
is specially formulated with natural sources of glucosamine to promote
healthy joints and help maintain mobility. And when it’s time to
give your dog a treat, try Good Bites Hip & Joint.
By following these treatment suggestions you’re giving your dog
the help he needs to continue enjoying many of his favorite activities,
whether it's joining you on the couch or taking a short walk in the
park. And that translates to more quality time for you and your senior
dog.

http://www.pedigree.com/02All Things Dog/Article Library/fetch.aspx?artId=764&catId=3&sCatId=14&catName=Senior&sCatName=First Aid and Safety&zjxj=01500004W2476639W1074W0

Subject: Re: Arthritis: Causes And Treatment Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:49 pm

great post hun :san50:

Subject: Re: Arthritis: Causes And Treatment Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:01 am

Brill

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