Many pet owners find it hard to accept at first the fact that their pet has arthritis. But do not also assume things immediately, stiffness and lameness on the movements of your dog can have several causes. A trip to an animal clinic is the first step to accomplish in order to diagnose the correct health condition of your pet. The skeletal system of a canine is a complex network of bones, cartilage and a ligament, which serves as a framework to support the four legs, guard the internal organs and provide various body movements. Muscles enable dog to be in action but when bones, joints and tissues are deteriorating, the muscle and motion are affected. Joints work like hinges to give the bones flexibility for walking, jumping and bending. There are three types of joints present in a body of a dog. These are ball and socket located at the hip and shoulder joints; hinged joints on the knees and elbows; and plane joints found on the wrist and ankles. Joints slide smoothly because of the lubrication provided by synovial fluid. In events when joints become swollen due to accidents, arthritis can arise.

Arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the joints. Furthermore, arthritis can be divided into two types depending on the source of pain. The first type is called degenerative joint disease, which is the outcome of a damaged cartilage and joints. The other type is referred to as inflammatory joint disease. This kind of arthritis can either be caused by infection or other immune-mediated sickness. Before you conclude if your dog has arthritis, better look if your dog exhibits the following signs:

• Dog is unease when climbing stairs and jumping from high chairs.
• Canine has less interaction with other dogs and human beings.
• Dog limps when walking and cannot keep up even on a normal, steady walk.
• When dog is touched on the swollen area, the dog yelps in pain.
• Change in the behavior of the dog; resistance to touch is obvious.

Remedy for degenerative joint disease is important to apply immediately to halt the progress of the symptoms. Treatment for arthritis can either be through surgery or medication. When tests show that surgery is unnecessary, relief from arthritis can be achieved through proper diet, exercise and medication. Make sure to follow the advice of the veterinarian to assure reduction of joint inflammation.

• Veterinarians might prescribe medicines such as Rimadyl, Palaprin and Adequan.
• Let your veterinarian test your dog first for allergies from medicines. Every dog reacts differently on a drug.
• Palaprin6 is an effective drug against arthritis and will not result to gastrointestinal irritation like what aspirin does.
• Proper weight management plays an essential role in alleviating pain due to arthritis. Excess weight causes more tension on the affected body part. Avoid high-caloric diet and provide small amount of meals several times a day. You can also ask your veterinarian for dietary supplements suitable to the needs of your pet.

Whatever treatment you apply to your arthritic dog, remember that it should also be with the guidance of your veterinarian because these people know what is best.

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