| Canine Arthritis |
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| Indian Hills Animal Clinic Tuscaloosa, AL email: TTownvet@Yahoo.com |
| What is arthritis? |
| What are the symptoms? |
| How can my dog's arthritic condition be cured? |
| Simply put, arthritis is inflammation in a joint. This inflammation manifests in a number of symptoms, both in elderly and injured pets. (Dogs of any age can show signs of arthritis.) |
| The effects of arthritis are readily observable, although the root cause(s) may not be so easily diagnosed at home. A canine exhibiting any number of the following symptoms would be a prime suspect: (1) Limping, particularly in a limb previously injured or operated on. Check first for an immediate cause of discomfort, such as thorns or cuts. A veterinarian will flex suspect joints to check for sprains and breaks as well. Once these have been ruled out, chronic arthritis becomes the prime suspect. (2) Lagging behind. Our dogs are companion animals: they love to tag along, often running and jumping and getting into everyone's business. If this once was your dog but is currently not the case, joint pain maybe what is slowing your dog down. (3) Trouble climbing stairs or getting up. These are classic signs of arthritis, particularly in older pets. Getting up in the morning becomes more of a chore, especially if it is cold or rainy outside. Or your dog, who used to charge up and down the staircase now moves in a slow shamble or is hesitant to arise when family members arrive on the scene. |
| Cure is probably too strong a word; although, in most cases, the word miracle does apply. Today anti-inflammatory and joint repair products are available which make recovery from arthritis possible without the concommitant side-effects seen in previous years. The liver and kidney strain which other analgesics and similar products typically cause to a dog's system are minimized with today's pain solutions. Two of our favorite products at Indian Hills are Rimadyl (Carprofen) from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Osteo-Biflex (a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin). New on the market are a couple of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including Deramaxx, whioch has recently been labelled for use on postoperative patients as well as those suffering from chronic arthritic symptoms. By combining the regenerative effects of the Osteo-Biflex with the inflammation-reducing power of either Deramaxx or Rimadyl, a dog who limps on cold days and is slow to join you for a walk, a pet who can't even get up from a sleeping position... can be restored to a spry and playful partner! If you suspect your pet may be suffering from the effects of arthritis, whether due to old age or an old injury, come by and see Dr. Philip Smith or Dr. Brian Hicks. You will be amazed with the results! |