Arthritis is joint pain. Your dog could have one of two types of arthritis: degenerative joint disease or inflammatory joint disease. The disease tends to get worse over time, but it can be managed.
-
-
Jumping obstacles can cause abnormal joint stress, leading to arthritis.
Degenerative joint disease
-
Degenerative joint disease results from the wearing down of the cartilage that protects your dog's bones from rubbing against one another. Over time, or after injury, the cartilage thins until the bones rub together, causing inflammation and pain.
Inflammatory joint disease
-
Certain infections or immunocompromising diseases (diseases that prevent your dog's immune system from working correctly) can also affect joints and result in inflammation and pain, such as bacteria or fungal infections.
Symptoms
-
Your dog may show signs of not wanting to move, especially to run or climb stairs, or be touched in certain areas. It might start limping or move stiffly. These can be signs of arthritis, though symptoms vary in all dogs.
Diagnosis
-
It may be necessary for your veterinarian to take X-rays and perform a physical exam to discover whether your dog has arthritis and the severity of the problem.
Treatment
-
Arthritis caused by hip or elbow dysplasia may be fixed surgically, or other arthritis problems may be corrected with joint replacements. Prescription drugs are also available and weight management usually helps because obesity adds stress to joints.
-