What is Canine Arthritis and how it can be treated?

Canine arthritis is a progressive Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) that affects all kinds of canines. Generally, larger dogs are more susceptible to canine arthritis than smaller breeds because their weight puts greater pressure on their joints. As in human arthritis, the condition often appears in older canines as the cartilage in the joints dries up with a simultaneous decrease in the production of new cartilage. The cartilage acts as a barrier between the two bones of the joint. However, when the cartilage degenerates, the bones rub against one another, which cause serious pain to the canine.

Moreover, canine arthritis is a degenerative disease, which means that the situation gets more painful with time. The pain is quite intense during the beginning of the day when the joints are moved from being at rest for several hours. The canine finds it even difficult to move around and also exhibits behavioral changes that indicate pain and anxiety.

Canine arthritis does not affect older or larger dogs alone. Smaller and younger dogs may also experience arthritis as a result of trauma to the joints, most likely after an accident or injury. The most common part affected by canine arthritis is the hip joint. No cure for the condition has been discovered yet, but several ways are available that can make coping with canine arthritis much less painful for the dog.

Drugs are commonly prescribed to relieve the pain associated with canine arthritis, and these are mostly the analgesics commonly used by humans as well. For instance; aspirin is often prescribed to relieve pain. However, it may result in side effects to the alimentary canal and should be replaced if such symptoms are observed. Chondroprotective drugs do not reduce pain, but they promote the development of cartilage. The damage to the cartilage can thus be repaired over the long term.

Along with prescribed drugs, canine arthritis therapy also involves exercise. The most popular form of exercise is swimming, and it is a naturally enjoyable form of exercise for canines, which promotes muscle development. Swimming also allows the bones and joints to be exercised without placing too much pressure on them. It helps to ensure that the flexibility of the joints is maintained. Some canine arthritis therapies also involve weight control, particularly for large breeds. Specially formulated diets are given to such canines to help bring down their weight and reduce the pressure placed on the joints.