What are the most common forms of arthritis found in dogs?
Canine arthritis is extremely common and the probability your dog is in early stages of arthritis increases with age. Arthritis is a disease which afflicts the bones and joints, it’s a condition where the joints get inflamed and cause a great deal of pain as the dogs get older. Sudden lack of appetite, slow in moving or fatigue are all signs of arthritis. According to research mostly 20% of adult dogs have arthritis. Most common arthritis found in dogs is either DJD – degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, which occurs because of gradual loss of cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones. IJD – inflammatory joint disease which occurs due to tick-borne diseases, bacterial or fungal infections. It can also be caused by genetic deficiencies that attack the immune system.
What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?
The early signs of arthritis in your dogs could be very difficult to detect as dogs hide their soreness and discomfort until it is very late to treat the condition. Here are the most common signs to look out for,
- lameness or stiffness mostly after rest,
- slow movement,
- difficulty in rising after rest,
- lethargy or an inclination to sleep more,
- urinating indoors,
- muscle atrophy or the legs are becoming thinner due to lack to movement,
- swelling or excessive heat in some part of the body,
- barking in pain when touched,
- licking of joints,
- gaining or losing weight,
- depression,
- nervous or aggressive behaviour,
- reluctance to jump or be active.
When you notice any of these changes in your dogs behaviour or temperament you should consult the vet at once.
