Thursday, September 19, 2013

How is Pet Arthritis Diagnosed?



Does My Animal Have Arthritis?



Many owners treat beasts like children and sometimes even better than their kids. Animals are true members of the family and are cared for as such. However, it is much easier to take care of a sick relative than a malnourished creature. Humans are able to verbalize and tell each other what is wrong, this is not the case with our counterparts. Many suffer from arthritis as they grow older especially larger breeds; being aware of the signs is the only tool you have to prevent degeneration.

Critters suffer from many of the same ailments as their masters, and there are many different types of bone disease ranging from hip autoimmune arthritis, inflammation, osteoarthritis and more. The best way to detect an issue is to look for common symptoms specific to one variation. Young creatures spring up to investigate anything, but older ones may be stiff and experience trouble standing or sitting down. Immobility may lead to pain when moving, causing reluctancy to jump around or climbs stairs. Animals might also favor one leg, sleep more, gain weight, play less attention and be less aware. If this sounds like your companion, a trip to the vet may be your best bet.


Vet offices have differing routines but many common steps occur when diagnosing these ailments. He will likely conduct a full exam, a thorough check ensures other factors are not influencing behavior and helps result in an accurate diagnosis. Vets will need to rule out possibilities of fever, kidney disease, diabetes, previous injuries, ligament diseases and more. We parents should consider the animal’s behavior before attending an appointment. Vets will probably have questions about the severity and duration of symptoms to narrow down the illnesses and determine treatments. He will conduct a range of motion tests, look at posture and gait to try to narrow down the underpinning cause.



Dog X-Ray Pictures



Canines X-Rays

The next step will likely be to determine whether a dog needs X-rays or blood work. Blood work may be needed to definitively rule out other diseases and will show his current condition. These tests may be necessary for comparison later if the dog is given medication. X-rays are used to locate the inflammation to determine how far it has progressed.


Many forms of this abnormality have no cure; puppies may develop inflammation but types like osteoarthritis simply result from aging. However, it is possible for limping and lagging specimens to regain their vibrancy and vigor. There are treatment options involving medication, natural therapies, diet, and exercise. Whether medication is given over the counter or through prescription, only physicians can offer the best medical solutions; do not attempt to self-medicate.



Glucosamine for Pets



Glucosamine is a common solution because it may build and repair cartilage. There are no known side effects and it helps to strengthen bones. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDS) are another routine prescription. This reduces inflammation but is riskier due to many side effects, they are ideal for short term use. Corticosteroids, along with other natural remedies, are frequently used to relive pain and provoke positive improvements.


The same holistic methods that work on people are now being used for animals. Many people are turning to acupuncture, massaging, healthy diet, vitamins, and herbal alternatives instead of narcotics.


In addition, add pet ramps to couches, stairs and other areas for safe travel. Ensure that all food and water dishes are located at comfortable heights for an easy reach. Animals need cushioned and warm areas for relaxing and sleeping. Finally, supervision is helpful since pets cannot talk, we must recognize the initial signs of distress. Fortunately, taking animals to the doctor can and will save their lives.





Bowl for Multiple, Large, Breeds




Raised Feeders for Canines

Larger breeds tend to have issues with osteoarthritis as they age, and bending way down to eat can be a struggle for them; experts agree that slouching while ingesting can cause gas and painful bloating  Also, bigger breeds, such as the Great Dane, can make quite a mess while eating; especially when close to the ground.


Higher bowls can vary in wood, iron, stainless steal, plastic, and ceramic assortments; some even include custom stands. There are also varying heights for optimum synchronization. For more than one pup, there are multiple-feeder bowls available. Even though this luxury can become quite pricey, parents agree the comfortability is worth the money.




Great Danes tend to have tendonitis in the neck from low feeding arrangements; if you start them off early with an appropriate bowl, you can avoid this tragedy. An adjustable pole for the dish is great for growing canines, saving you money as he ages.

Multiple-Dog Bowls

Keep in mind that even while on vacation you can still keep your pal comfortable with the convenient travel selection on the market. Typically made of polyester or some other similar fabric, these vacation victuals are a wonderful solution. Furthermore, those are essential for an all-day hike with your hungry counterpart.


With the benefits of having a raised pooch dish, the numerous ill health effects will not occur. Now all you have to do is determine the one that will fit best into your lifestyle and decor. If you and your friend stay home, or love to be out and about, there is a perfect answer for the two of you. Save your beloved pet a lifetime of arthritic pain; this is a simple solution to a permanent problem.





Proper Dog Care





Who says only humans suffer from arthritis? Pets too can undergo severe pain during their aging process. Osteoarthritis, which is the inflammation of joints, can be caused by fractures, immunity disorders, aging, and infection. It is among the most common diseases which can be cured by veterinarians. Your pets won’t be able to tell you exactly what’s happening to them so you have to watch out for specific cues. Here is some important info to help you save your buddy from needless pet pain.



Overweight Golden Retriever

Always observe your pet for degenerative joint symptoms.


Changes in behavior: You should be alarmed in the event that your pet who normally exhibits playful attitudes, suddenly becomes less active. In some occasions he may sleep more often than expected; this may be a clear indication of your buddy not feeling well. If he avoids your touch, it means that pain is occurring.
Difficulties in moving: Your animal might require a lot of effort or even cry when it stands or sits. It might even limp when it walks and might avoid playing as well. All of these are possible indications that it is experiencing fatigue and that something might be wrong with its limbs.


Weight gain- Gaining weight is a result of inactivity, so monitor this often. Lack of exercise will expose your friend to intense pressure in the ligaments and thus increase the trauma they experience. The very first solution that should occupy your head is to consult a veterinarian. If these indicators persevere for more than 2 weeks, please see your pet doctor right away. He or she will carry out a physical examination and probably some x-rays to help diagnose the condition. Never give any medication which is not prescribed by a doctor.


Managing Pet Arthritis


Excess Canine Weight

This can cause fatal effects to your companion. Each drug elicits a different reaction in everyone. Consult with a physician first regarding any prescription and treatment plan to ensure the safety and well-being of your pup. They are usually given antibiotics to prevent further infection of the bones. Their doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Etogesic to help reduce pain and inflammation. A veterinarian may also order physical therapy treatments to prevent the return of their previous state of illness.


Start your pooch on a weight-control regimen to help prevent Obesity. Observe proper exercise and make sure he is being mobile. Always supply a healthy diet for proper nutrition; introduce joint supplements to decrease the inflammation and help prevent limited mobility.





Dog Fatigue

Canine Fatigue Symptoms


Limited mobility is often a common sign of disease in animals. Most owners experience this behavior when preparing to give their companion daily exercises, such as walking. Increased fatigue is a sign of arthritic symptoms, as their joints are being restricted and it can be difficult for them to move. One of the best ways to relieve pain is by getting them to exercise their joints more often so they don’t lock up. Many experience large amounts of physical activity everyday, and many owners often perceive this as tiredness when they experience fatigue. However the first signs of symptoms of arthritis appear when he has not received any physical exercise for the day and they are already comatose.


Walking everyday can help your pooch receive proper joint exercise. Proper joint exercise can help prevent joints from locking in place, which can help relieve some of the ailment involved with inflammation. Giving massages to the afflicted areas of your pup can help relax the muscles and in turn relieve some of the pain that is experiencing, so it can lead a happy and playful life. Many owners assume that less exercise in canines suffering from joint pain, is better for them because they do not put stress on their tendons. In fact, exercise can help relieve the pressure and improve the condition at hand.



Lazy Canine

Relieve Canine Inflammation


A common way to help relieve some of your their pain is to take a visit to your veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with information and techniques that you can use to help relieve your dog of the anxiety it is experiencing with osteoarthritis. Medicines are also a common way to help get him to walk with you again, however most supplements provide temporary relief and it can often end up being quite expensive. There are many natural cures for ailments you can pursue for your pet in contrast to medicine, such as balanced diets. Many quality food brands include formulas which help stimulate muscle growth and joint health in puppies. These formulas are very common and are often inexpensive for the benefits they bring. Feeding them a regular balanced diet can help promote a better lifestyle for them and improve overall joint mobility.







Easing The Pain of Canine Osteoarthritis



Each year, families across the nation make a decision to bring a new pet home and add it as a member of the family. It is a wonderful experience to learn and grow with a pet, and can also be a heart breaking experience when our pets grow old and begin to feel the unavoidable aches and pains brought on with age. One of these conditions is degenerative osteoarthritis.

This is a condition caused by the loss of cartilage in and around the joints. Left untreated, this condition will progress after time, causing much unneeded pain and eventually crippling the animal. The most common type of arthritis in dogs is known as hip dysplasia. This is an inherited disease that can effect every type of dog but is more commonly noticed in the larger breeds.


The signs and symptoms in pets can range from minimal signs to obvious indications of pain. obvious signs include a lowered energy level, avoiding activities such as running and jumping, stiffness when standing up after laying down, or during cold weather and avoiding putting weight on limbs.


Researchers report that after extensive testing they may have found a way to detect if pets will be at risk for this debilitating condition. If pet owners and veterinarians are able to spot this condition before it starts to effect the animal, owners will be able to take the measures that will prevent or reduce the problems caused by this disease. If detected before the beginning stages, the owners can change the diet, use techniques to strengthen the joints and administer needed medication that will greatly increase the odds of success for the pup.




Hip Dysplasia Treatment in Canines





Currently there are several different treatment options for pets that suffer from arthritis. Owners with over weight pets are encouraged to help the animal loose weight to reduce unneeded stress on the joints. Physical therapy is another treatment option that has been proven to have positive effects. Physical therapy keeps them in motion, and helps build supportive tissues. Swimming is an effective form of physical therapy and actually puts less stress on the joints. corticosteroids and acupuncture are also used to relieve pain and increase performance in sufferers.

Hip Dysplasia in Large Dogs

If your companion is over weight, the best and most important thing that you can do for them is to get them to loose weight. It has been said that sufferers of osteoarthritis should be kept as lean as possible. It is normal to be able to feel the ribs of the dog, but you should not be able to see the hips or backbone.


To keep an arthritic pet comfortable, there are several ways to treat the condition. Some of them may be a treatment that is as close as your kitchen cupboard. Fish oil has been proven to ease the pain due to the fact that it has anti-inflamatory properties. Salmon oil has been reported to work the best. Glucosamine should also be administered to the puppy. DLPA is a supplement that many have reported high success with and is safe to use. For pain relief, consider administering aspirin at a dose that is ideal for its weight. Tramadol is also effective to relieve severe pain and can be safely used with aspirin and supplements.


Osteoarthritis is an inherited condition, one that is painful to see, and more painful to experience. With recent studies and several different tretment options, it is possible for them to live a pain free life and provide many years of companionship.






Why does My Canine Limp?


One of the most common signs of issues with your canine’s health are shown by limping. A dog limping usually signifies a problem with joints, weight control, hips, or possibly arthritis. Many owners commonly dismiss limping as an issue that isn’t important, however limping usually foreshadows a medical issue with your pet that needs to be tended to immediately in order to keep your pup in shape. There are many ways to prevent and treat these issues, however if you do not act fast these issues can prove to be quite a problem and can be difficult to get rid of.


A common problem in puppies is usually arthritic symptoms. One will usually display signs such as decreased movement, fatigue, and even relatively no movement at all. Degenerative bone disease is very common and can be very damaging to their overall health. Due to ligament issues, they will be subject to decreased activity which may lead to weight control issues. Weight is often hard to reverse among inactive dogs, as it can be very limiting and pups are quick to adjust to their new lazy lifestyle. There are other signs to spot these symptoms, such as whimpering when attempting to move; this will usually signify some sort of joint issue which can be common among canines.


Dysplasie of the Hip in Pets


Hip dysplasia is another common issue among pets, and can be easily spotted by the amount of activity they are performing. There are various ways a dog can contract hip dysplasia, such as performing natural activities which include running and other physical movements, or through genetics. This disease is common among growing dogs, and is usually spotted by inability for the hips to develop properly. If you have been noticing problems with them performing physical activities, it is likely that it has disease of the hip and you should take it to a veterinarian for a check up immediately. Depending on your veterinarian’s diagnosis, he will decide whether surgery is needed to be performed.


Weight control can be difficult to manage among pets. Once an animal gains a certain amount of weight, they usually are unable or unwilling to perform physical activity to lose the weight. If you have been wondering why your companion has been limping, then it is usually because it has developed weight issues. Weight issues are very common among inactive creatures, which is why it is very important that puppy owners take them out for physical exercise everyday. Once your furry friend has solved it’s weight issues, it is recommended to keep it on a physical activity regimen. This way weight issues are unlikely to return, and you will be able to help keep them happy and healthy.


Joint pain is another common diagnosis whenever excessive limping has occurred. In order to relieve the pain your companion is experiencing, they must attempt to relieve pressure against the affected joints. There are many reasons as to why your dog may be experiencing joint pain, such as old age or a disease such as arthritis or dysplasia of the hip. A common way to treat this or provide temporary relief is to ask your veterinarian about medicine options for your other half. Your veterinarian may even recommend surgery, as it can often be a more cost effective way of solving your dog’s joint problems. Joint problems are a common issue among animals, as their legs can be very fragile. Keeping them physically active can help keep his joints in a strong and healthy condition.





How to Ease Dog Joint Pain?


Some owners are perplexed as to the signs of their arthritis. Pets that have joint issues will frequently limp and exhibit some swelling in their joints. As they age, like humans, they start experiencing aches and pains. Some dog owners give dog arthritis aspirin to alleviate their dog’s pain, but this does nothing to cure arthritis. Of course, providing aspirin only relieves pain temporarily and additional aspirin is required to keep the pain at bay. Further, dog arthritis aspirin can cause undesirable side effects, such as liver failure, kidney damage and gastric ulcerations. Taking steps early on can will hasten the severity of it later on.

However, like humans, animals are able to take glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulphate as a remedy to alleviate joint pain and swelling. Both of these are referred to commonly as glucosamine. Either form is beneficial for joint relief for dogs, however, it does not cause any of the side effects that aspirin does. Of even greater benefit, the supplement can actually reverse arthritis symptoms as it relieves joint swelling and allows for tissue repair. Still another form of glucosamine that is even more effective is chondroitin. This form can be given to dogs in chewable formulas that pups find palatable. This and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in providing joint lubrication to ease swelling.



Mobile Dog | Happy Dog


The best “medicine” is simply to avoid the causes for canine arthritis altogether. For instance, simply by keeping him lean with the proper diet and exercise will prevent arthritis to a great extent. The reason is that the extra weight puts added stress upon the dogs’ joints. To test whether a dog is lean, an owner should be able to feel the puppy’s ribs. Not only does keeping extra weight off help, but exercise will strengthen the muscles further preventing immobility. Moreover, a dog should have the proper diet of high protein and a raw diet, or grain-free kibble. Those that eat grain are at higher risk for joint inflammation.


How Do I Prevent Pet Arthritis?


Other owners go to greater extents to provide care for their pooches by taking them for acupuncture, massages, and chiropractic adjustments. However, if arthritis is caused by a dysplastic or malformed joint, surgery is possibly the only option. The main goal to cure joint inflammation or hamper its effects is to alleviate stress in whatever form. Of course, with aspirin and other drugs, the side effects may not outweigh the benefits the medication provides.


If all else fails and you cannot avoid arthritis, other measures can be taken to lighten the pain. As listed previously, aspirin and glucosamine can be provided, but there are other measures to make the animal as comfortable as possible. For instance, making your companion’s bed with padded cushions is a good option. Also, avoiding play and exercise that will cause wear and tear on the dog’s joints is advisable. Caring for a puppy that has arthritis is tough, but watching them in pain is tougher. With so many “do it yourself” and over the counter remedies, the pain and swelling of inflammation can be relieved, but even greater than this is avoiding or hastening the effect of arthritis altogether.





Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs



For most people, their pet is not just a pet, it is family or one of their children. It can be heartbreaking to watch your dog age and when they are in pain, you feel it too. Looking on the internet you may see a ton of articles about glucosamine and dog hip dysplasia and you may think this is a the only solution. However, as your pet grows older, their body responds the same way a human body does. The liquid between the joints begins to diminish in quantity, and glucosamine may be a great answer for that. However, the cartilage between bones begins to deteriorate, and like everything else in an aging body and may have hidden problems that go much further than limited lubrication of the joints. Your pet’s body may need an extra boost to get back up to speed. A common condition in older dogs are joint problems. This can be a very painful disorder that limits your pets joy in life because of pain and discomfort. Most dog’s with hip issues lay around and have limited daily activity, which weakens their heart and muscle tone. Many people, on their veterinarian’s advice, place their dog on steroids, pain medication, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM mixture that does damage to the rest of their dog’s systems.

Canine Arthritis Remedies



There are safer remedies that do not do a lot of damage to your dog’s body, and can treat more effectively than a steroid and pain medication regimen. Glucosamine and dog arthritis have become all to cliché. Many people stop at adding a glucosamine supplement to their pet’s diet. Only to continue to watch their loved pet suffer still. They search the internet and find millions of articles on the benefits of this supplement and canine arthritis, only to feel like they are at a dead end with managing their pet’s pain and discomfort. Many people repeatedly ask the advice of a veterinarian and continue to hear about the benefits of glucosamine and dog hip dysplasia. Adding supplements does help with the lack of liquid that is provided to your dog’s joints, but why stop there when you can stop the degeneration of the cartilage between your dog’s joints. With one simple supplement, you can ensure the health of your dog’s entire body, not just their joints. Lifespan gives you more than just a treatment for hip dysplasia. It gives you a full body treatment to keep your dog’s entire body in top performance. It provides added benefits of mobility, stamina, and vigor.

Adding essential oils and omegas to your dog’s diet along with CoQ10, will not only reduce your dog’s limitations, but also increase the over all quality of their life by strengthening their heart, immune system, and periodontal condition. It helps keep your best friend happy, comfortable, and playing longer than you would normally expect.When purchasing a supplement for your pet, it is very important to know their body weight in order to get the desired effects. For this supplement, you do not have to wait until your dog begins aging to use it. Keep your pup looking and acting young by adding a product to their daily routine. The more active your puppy is, the more important a supplement can be to their life.





Labradors With Hip Dysplasia


This condition is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is an extremely painful disease that leads to loss of mobility. There are a host of factors that play a role in the formation and worsening of this problem. Many experts believe that in Labradors, this is a genetic condition that is influenced by environmental factors. Ensuring that pets are kept from the exacerbating issues is one way for owners to be sure that their pets are not affected negatively by this painful disease.

Adult and young Retrievers can both be affected by hip dysplasia. The condition is related to the way that the hip joint is formed. In normal conditions, there is a tight fit between the ball and socket joint that lets the hip move. With this, the hip becomes deformed, and the smooth fit is non-existent. A build-up of cartilage and other soft tissues in the area is one of the primary reasons why dogs are first affected. Excessive tissue often takes several years to build, but it can begin accumulating during the first months of a pet’s life.


What is the Best Exercise for Canines?



Pet owners can take a multi-pronged approach to help eliminate joint disease in labs. Exercise is one issue that certainly affects the spread of this disease. Regular exercise should begin at a young age. However, there are some activities which are known to be harmful on the bones. Running on pavement is one thing that should be avoided. Lots of people take their dogs out for a run, and they do not know that they may be hurting their pets in the future. Experts recommend that a soft surface, like a yard or park, is the best place to let young labs run.

Exercise will also help labs build strong bones. Running and swimming are two great activities that enable dogs to get stronger. Swimming is one of the best exercises that pets can do. This is a high intensity activity that is good for their heart and will help build muscle tissue. Since swimming is done in the water, there is little worry about the joints being aggravated during the exercise. Running is great too, but it should take place on grass. Young puppies should also be sure that they do not overdo their exercises. Taking time is an approach that ensures there is plenty of rest for young dogs to let their bones properly form.



Hip Dysplasia


Proper Diet For My Dog



Dieting is another issue that will cause hip dysplasia in dogs. There are numerous foods that are recommended to help prevent the issue from occurring in the first place. Excessive weight is one of the chief reasons that this degenerative joint disease appears. Keeping dogs fit and at the proper weight is a holistic approach that maximizes health. Protein is another dietary product that can be overdone. Feeding young labs too much protein and calcium leads to the formation of extra tissue around the hip joint. This buildup of material will often turn into the cartilage and bones and interferes with the normal function of the area.

Keeping dogs healthy requires a concerted approach. Hip Dysplasia in Labradors is a common condition and is thought to be caused by a genetic predisposition. This is a degenerative bone disease that will start small and affects the way the hip joint functions. Diets, high in protein and calcium, are thought to make the issue worse. Exercising young labs is essential, but there are some things that work better. Swimming is one of the best exercises because it does not harm the joints.






Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs


Hip Dysplasia is a terrible thing for a dog to suffer through. All dogs love to run and play, and hip dysplasia can make it painful or impossible for them to have even a small amount of mobility. But what are the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs? Are there causes that can be avoided? Definitely.


There are several causes of hip dysplasia in dogs. This condition is an extreme amount of wear and tear on the hip joint. This leads to arthritis and pain as the bone suffers. The disease itself is fairly simple, and so are the causes and risk factors.


Genetics and Exercise | Hip Dysplasia


A dog with parents who had the disease will have a much greater chance of developing it, and a dog without carrier parents will be much less likely. But even dogs without any signs in heredity can develop the disease. With the way selective breeding works, it is unlikely to be able to breed out hip dysplasia genes entirely. This is factor we can do the least about. All you do about genetics is be forewarned and educated.



Swimming, Great Dog Exercise =”1″>

Exercise can be another on of the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs, in its own way. Dogs that are exercised too much at a very young age have been known to be at a higher risk. However, this does not mean exercise is one of the main causes in dogs. Over-exercise at a young age may damage proper muscle mass development and make the bones tender. The proper amount of exercise can help muscle mass development and actually reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. The type of exercise is also a factor. Exercise that includes a lot of jumping can put of a lot of force on the dog’s joints and increase their risk factors. Exercises like swimming are easy on the bones while also greatly helping muscle mass growth.


Nutrition Affects Dog Arthritis


Dogs that are overfed will be much more likely to develop hip dysplasia. Being overweight is one of the main causal factors in any species that can suffer from hip dysplasia (humans too!). Dogs that grow rapidly in the mid to late puppy stage (3 to 11 months) also seem to suffer a higher risk. Mineral intake also plays a big role, of course. Diets lower in calcium and other essential bone-growth minerals increase the risk of the disease.


This goes hand in hand with nutrition and exercise. Large dogs just naturally run a higher risk, but when they are also overweight, they become much more prone. The natural size of a dog is something that cannot be controlled, so like genetics, all you can do is be prepared.


Hopefully this has alerted you to the main causes of hip dysplasia, so you can avoid raising your dogs risk factors. This condition is a terrible thing for a beloved pet to suffer through, but with proper diet and exercise you can minimize their risk and hopefully never have to see them deal with this disease.


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