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- Osteoarthritis in Dogs
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- Stiffness
- Reduced mobility
- Abnormal gait
- Clicking sound when walking
- Limping
- Difficulty getting up from a resting position
- Soreness when touched
- Whimpering or yelps in pain
- Acting withdrawn or aggressive
- Having a hard time jumping in or out of the car
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Restlessness
- Lameness
- Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease of the movable joints not due to any trauma
- Secondary osteoarthritis is triggered by a reason such as hip or elbow dysplasia or by trauma to the joint
- In older dogs OA is usually the result of long- term wear and tear on the joints
- Osteoarthritis can be triggered by trauma, injury, hip or elbow dysplasia
- Abnormal joint development, congenital joint deformation or and inherited joint condition
- Obesity can put excess stress on joints, possibly causing an early onset
- Weight Control - Weight loss in obese dogs can improve his mobility and help minimize further joint damage
- Hydrotherapy - Swimming is an ideal non-weight bearing exercise; swimming also helps to maintain muscle mass
- Physical Therapy - May include ultrasound therapy, electric stimulation, massage, application of cold and heat to help relieve pain in the joints
- Acupuncture, laser therapy and physical therapy - Can help relieve joint pain
- Diet – Research has shown that foods that provide high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, can help decrease inflammation
- Natural Supplements - Pills and foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, have shown to ease arthritis symptoms in dogs
- Surgery - Depending on the stage of OA, severity of the condition, pet’s weight and the age of the canine’ your vet may recommend surgery (Arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement are two of the options)
- Glucocorticoids - Given by tablets or injections, these drugs have higher anti-inflammatory effect than non-steroidal, but the long-term use can cause serious side effects to your pet such as kidney issues
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Can reduce pain and inflammation but have serious long-term effects, especially in geriatric dogs, such as gastrointestinal problems
- Chondroprotectants – These drugs help by inhibiting enzymes that contribute to cartilage breakdown
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