Canine osteoarthritis is a chronic disease causing varying degrees of pain in a dog's joints. It strikes indiscriminately without concern for age, size, or breed. Although there seems to be genetic tendencies for the disease to be hereditary in large, heavy, or long-bodied dogs, the likelihood of the disease increases with age, and there is no breed completely safe from the canine osteoarthritis. As a defense mechanism dogs hide pain, especially when problems first start. Being extra attentive to the slightest signs of distress can help you catch the problem early.
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Changes in Habit
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If you notice a drastic change in your dog's behavior such as lying around or sleeping more, or not playing as long or hard as usual there is cause for concern. You should seek veterinary attention because this could be a signal that your dog is avoiding joint pain.
Changes in Appetite
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A sudden decrease in appetite is a sign that something is wrong. It also is a generic symptom, which could be a sign of many diseases. In any case, this is definitely a reason to consult your veterinarian.
Visual Signs of Canine Osteoarthritis
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Lameness, hopping (bunny-hop action with rear legs) and stiffness are more advanced signs of injury. Be aware that these may be fleeting in the earlier stages of the disease and seem to appear and disappear quickly. If you see a sign of lameness that goes away immediately suspect a "cover-up" on the part of your dog. As with many arthritis sufferers (human included) a little movement helps to alleviate the initial pain. If you observe this happening several times seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Physical Signs of Canine Osteoarthritis
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Difficulty climbing stairs, jumping or running, as well as whimpering when walking or being touched are definite signs of pain that are localized around a particular joint or joints.
Swelling and Heat
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More advanced stages of canine osteoarthritis can show swelling in various joint areas and feel hot when you touch the area.
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