What is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis present in dogs over one year of age. When the term arthritis is used, it will generally refer to OA, which is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD).
Arthritis typically leads to:
- pain
- lameness
- joint inflammation
- reduced mobility
- reduced quality of life
The processes affected by arthritis include:
Blood flow
blockages of the blood vessels prevent good nutrition to the joint
Joint fluid
the body’s natural joint lubricant is of a poor quality
Joint cartilage
the body’s natural shock absorber breaks down
Immune response
the body’s response to abnormal processes, such as joint inflammation
Contributing factors to arthritis
- Breed size – large or giant breeds have a higher incidence of arthritis
- Age – arthritis is more common with older dogs
- Weight – overweight dogs are more prone to arthritis
- Breed inherited traits and conformation – which cause or lead to arthritis such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia
- Stress activity – levels of high stress or abnormal activity for long periods of time, such as excess athletic activities or gruelling work
- Joint injuries – injuries to the joint incite the arthritis process
Could your pet have arthritis?
Try out our Osteoarthritis checklist to determine whether your pet is displaying signs of arthritis.Treatments
With its excellent safety and efficacy profile, we believe that Cartrophen Vet is the first drug of choice in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Most pets respond quickly with increased activity and well-being.
Tips to keep dog’s joints healthy at every stage of life.
In mild cases, you can take some simple steps at home to reduce any initial pain or discomfort:- Your pet should always have a warm comfortable place to sleep with plenty of bedding to protect sore joints
- Obesity is detrimental as the joints are not made to carry extra weight. For the well-being of your pet, check with your veterinarian about any recommended weight loss
- Keep your pet as dry as possible and out of drafty areas
- Gentle exercise is advisable, as vigorous games will aggravate the disease and discomfort
- Your veterinarian can determine the degree of arthritis and the best course of treatment
Canine Arthritis
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