Dogs love to go for a walk, run, play, jump, chase other dogs or jog after the ball. However, sometimes their mobility is conditioned by pain that causes them to limp. There are many reasons that can lead a dog to limp. A blow or a fall, a growth problem, osteoarthritis and arthritis are some of them.
Arthritis in dogs can occur for various reasons, depending on which the type, severity of the diagnosis and the treatment to be prescribed will vary. In any case, it is annoying for the animal and impairs its quality of life. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion that your pet may suffer from this pathology, it is best to go to the vet as soon as possible.
Arthritis in dogs affects their joints and consists of inflammation of the articular cartilage and synovial membrane. It is a degenerative disease that affects one or more legs, causing pain and difficulty in performing certain movements.
It can originate from various causes, such as age, as a result of an injury or an infectious agent. Also due to an open wound that becomes infected, due to being overweight or immunological causes.
The cause of arthritis in your best furry friend will determine the necessary treatment. For example, if it is derived from an infection, the prescription of antibiotics and joint washes will be necessary. In the case of non-infectious arthritis, it would require taking immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, the vet will guide the taking of analgesics to relieve pain and anti-inflammatories.
If the arthritis is in an advanced stage, it may require surgical intervention. In this, the animal is anesthetized, the affected joint is opened and cleaned. In addition, in severe cases, reinforcements, protectors or orthoses are placed on the animal so that the affected limb is more secure.
It is often advisable to accompany the drug treatment with physiotherapy sessions, which will strengthen the joint, slowing the progression of arthritis. It is also important to ensure that the dog performs moderate exercise, so as not to force the affected area but also not to promote the progression of the disease as a result of prolonged rest.
Finally, it is necessary to maintain control of the dog's weight. If you are obese, your diet will have to be modified so that you lose weight, since excessive load contributes to weakening and damaging your extremities.
