Dogs Also Experience the Pain of Aging Joints
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
The term arthritis or osteoarthritis, is used to refer to a
disease that affects the cartilage of joints. It is the most
common joint disorder diagnosed in dogs. The term degenerative
joint disease (DJD) is gradually replacing the term
osteoarthritis in everyday usage.
The earliest signs of arthritis may be reluctance on the part
of the pet to run up and down the stairs or jump around. As the
disease progresses, lameness and stiffness may occur after
periods of sustained activity or after brief overexertion. Signs
usually disappear after a few days of rest.
With increasing degeneration of the joints, stiffness may
become more pronounced after periods of rest. After the pet moves
around, it appears to "warm out" of the lameness or
stiffness. At this stage, cold and damp weather tends to increase
the severity of the clinical signs.
With severe arthritis, stiffness and lameness are fairly
commonplace and pets may be in constant pain. Signs of pain
include shivering, panting, restlessness and such non-specific
signs as decreased appetite, listlessness, reluctance to move and
whining. Pets may also become irritable and/or reclusive, and
they may bite or snap if approached or handled.
Recent advances in the treatment of arthritis have resulted in
a favourable prognosis for patients with this crippling disease.
If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from
arthritis, consult your veterinarian so that a diagnosis
can be made and various therapeutic options discussed.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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