How to Treat Your Dog for Arthritis

Posted on the 17 November 2009 by Allagrobusman @allegrobusman
As is the case with humans, restricted mobility and increased lethargy are tell-tale signs of arthritis in dogs. In the United States, approximately twenty% of our “furry family” members suffer from arthritis. Fortunately, once having identified these signs, treatment can begin immediately. This is often important; as if arthritis is left untreated it can progress to everlasting immobility in your loved pet. Your initial step ought to be a visit to your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment for your pet’s arthritis. With their information of pets and arthritis, knowledge from your pet’s medical history, and results of a combination of physical exam, x-rays, blood tests, and MRI imaging, they will properly and specifically make a diagnosis the type of arthritis from which you’re pet is suffering. (Be certain to check together with your pet insurance provider, as many of these expenses are covered beneath comprehensive policies.) Whether or not its osteoarthritis, hip dyspepsia or degenerative joint disease, your veterinarian is best-equipped to supply your pet with the safest, most efficacious arthritis treatment.

Upon diagnosis of your pet’s condition, your vet can prescribe medicine and/or therapy to care for your pet’s arthritis. Don’t dispense any over-the-counter medications (especially human painkillers) to your pet if not previous approved from licensed veterinarians, as this might produce severe – and generally fatal – outcomes. Steroids and anti-inflammatories can work for pets, alleviating pain, swelling and inflammation in their joints.

In some cases, surgical procedures like arthroscopic, arthrodesis, or complete joint replacement are performed to remove and/or correct abnormal joint alignment and remove broken fragments of broken bones. However, surgery does not work for all pets plagued by arthritis; below are some homeopathic, less invasive arthritis therapies to consider:

1. Dog massage

A good massage will loosen your dog’s joints, assuaging the “seizing up” or stiffening they expertise with painful arthritis; it can conjointly be an glorious remedy for your pet’s sluggishness. Ask your vet to reveal proper massage procedure on your pet for you; though you are well-meant, your pet is already in pain from the arthritis and you do not need to worsen their distress by massaging them too aggressively;

2. Heat treatments

Simply like their pet parents, when dogs suffering from arthritis are exposed to cold, it will exacerbate the condition, causing a lot of pain. Applying heat can soothe the pain and discomfort; hot water bottles work well;

3. Joint lubricants 

Consult your veterinarian concerning medications and/or supplements that combat arthritis and encourage an increased production of joint lubricant, along with cartilage regeneration.

By combining the therapies listed above, you’ll considerably alleviate your pet’s arthritic symptoms. Bear in mind, however, that your first step in diagnosing and treating your pet’s arthritis should be a visit to your veterinarian for a comprehensive evaluation.


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