If your dog is unable to get around like he used to, he could have a condition that is impairing his mobility, such as Lyme disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease. While common, these disorders are often painful and can lower your pet's quality of life. Fortunately, there are medications that can help alleviate the pain that is associated with most movement disorders and get your pet back to the mobility he is used to.
-
Lyme Disease
-
Lyme disease is an infectious illness that is spread by the deer tick. According to the veterinary website Peteducation.com, this disease was first discovered in 1985 and is present in all 50 of the United States. Symptoms of Lyme disease typically present themselves about two to five months after transmission occurs. Swelling of the leg joints and lameness are two of the most common symptoms of this disease. Your dog may limp and the lameness may occur in alternating legs. In addition, the joints in the leg can become severely swollen and make walking extremely painful. Antibiotics are typically successful in treating Lyme disease, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to help with pain. Once your dog is treated for Lyme disease, the mobility issues should resolve.
Arthritis
-
Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage between your dog's joints becomes worn and raw bone surfaces rub against each other. This condition is extremely painful and can cause dogs to limp and resist movement. Radiographs of the affected joint are generally used to diagnose arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to manage the pain cause by arthritis and weight-loss for obese pets is usually recommended, says the animal website Petplace.com. Surgery may also be effective in helping your dog regain his mobility.
Hip Dysplasia
-
Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of a dog's femur does not fit properly into the socket of the hip. Depending on the dog, this orthopedic condition can cause severe pain and lack of mobility or mild discomfort. Hip dysplasia is typically genetic and develops in growing dogs. Your veterinarian will likely take radiographs to diagnose hip dysplasia. Surgery is an option for the treatment of hip dysplasia, though typically costly. In addition, swimming therapy, acupuncture, massage, glucosamine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are also successful in managing the pain of hip dysplasia, though they will not cure it.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
-
Intervertebral disc disease is a condition in which a disc presses on the animal's spine and causes discomfort. This disease can occur in the thoraculumbar area of the back or the neck. Dogs who develop this condition are typically very painful when attempting to walk and may look drunk or clumsy when doing so. Some dogs may even resist moving all together. Rest and anti-inflammatory drugs can aid in the treatment of IVDD, along with surgery.
-