You can identify canine arthritis by certain symptoms your dog might show, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and dulled personality. The only way to make sure a dog is suffering from arthritis is through proper diagnosis. Arthritis in dogs is also a painful condition that can lead to major damage in the body area if not treated in time. This article will tell you more about the symptoms of canine arthritis and the approach to treating it.
Dogs are often susceptible to the same types of arthritis as humans. Some of the common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and limping. Finding these symptoms in your dog may indicate arthritis. If you notice any joint pain or problems with mobility, contact your veterinarian for an examination. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of canine arthritis.
Arthritis is a painful condition that results in inflammation and degeneration of the joints. It can affect any joint, but most commonly affects the hips, elbows, and knees.
Arthritis is most common in older dogs, though it can occur at any age. The disease is most common in large breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Dogs with arthritis will complain about their legs being sore or stiff when they move around. They may limp or refuse to walk at all, instead choosing to stand still for long periods of time. They may also be reluctant to climb stairs or jump into the car. Other symptoms include:
-Excessive panting or heavy breathing
-Lack of appetite
-Lethargy (tiredness)
-Decreased activity level
The most common sign of arthritis in your dog is stiffness after rest. This stiffness can be worse than it was before the rest period, and it may be more pronounced in the morning and after exercise. Some dogs have pain when they walk or run, while others just seem stiff.
Your dog may have trouble getting up from lying down or sitting, especially if he or she has to move around an obstacle like a table or chair.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an exam as soon as possible.
Symptoms Of Arthritis In A Dog
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in dogs. It can cause a dog an immense amount of pain and reduce its mobility drastically. Sadly, at the moment, it is a condition that is tough to treat. However, many people believe that stem cells may be the route to go down.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Since osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, the initial symptoms can be tricky to spot. Over time, you may find that your animal is less keen to be active. They may also have lameness in their limbs. These symptoms may get worse when the animal is inactive for long periods of time or in the colder weather.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Typically arthritis is a problem seen in older dogs, but the condition can develop from an early age following problems with bone and joint development. Depending on the cause, arthritis may affect one or any number of your dog’s joints. Most cases develop as a result of abnormal rubbing within the joint caused by joint instability (e.g. after ligament damage), damage to or abnormal cartilage development, or damage caused by trauma (e.g. fractures). Like humans, signs of arthritis can often vary throughout the animal’s life and result in the early onset of joint problems in older age.
What Can Be Done to Deal with Osteoarthritis?
Sadly, treating the condition is notoriously difficult. In most cases, it is a case of giving your dog some painkillers. There are supplements which you can give your animal which may help to reduce some of their bone density, but these may not necessarily guarantee the success of treatment. In some cases, a medical plan can be devised to help build back bone loss by addressing any dietary deficiencies your animal has. This is going to slow down the condition but may not necessarily stop it progressing completely.
One area which has seen a lot of success is the use of dog stem cells. With dog stem cells, you will be taking cells from a part of a dog, sometimes another dog (donor – allogenic stem cells), sometimes the dog that is being treated (autologous cells). These stem cells will then be added to the areas where the dog is dealing with severe pain. The idea is that when these stem cells are added to the area, they will be able to take on the form of cells which can be used to repair the damaged tissue and bones.
While there has not been a lot of peer reviewed studies regarding the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs using stem cells, it is a treatment which has proven it self all around the globe with more than 10 000 dogs treated. Many experts have confirmed the safety and efficiency of dog stem cell treatment.
Experts report that the success rate is quite high (~85%).
Again, there is not something that will be able to necessarily stop the progression of osteoarthritis, there is a chance that the stem cells will be able to repair the damaged area to the point where there will no longer be any issue. Basically, your dog is going to be able to exercise and have just as much fun as they did before. It is unlikely they will be in any pain too!