Arthritis is a common degenerative condition that affects both dogs and people. It can be the result of injury or simply wear and tear with age.
Dogs develop arthritis when the cartilage that covers joints becomes damaged. This causes the bone to touch each other without protection. Often this will cause pain as the bones touch, and new bone protrusions can also develop at the joint site. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in joints, which can become worn and deteriorate. When this happens, the surfaces of the bones will rub together more abrasively, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are several methods that can help to relieve dog's canine arthritis symptoms. These treatments include medications, physical therapy, and alternative approaches such as massage and supplements. Acupuncture is another great option for pain reduction, and it has also been shown to promote healing and increase mobility in animals with arthritis. Acupuncture uses thin needles placed in specific areas of the body to trigger nerve signals that can lead to pain relief and improved mobility. Exercise is also important for arthritic pets. Moderate exercise such as walking and swimming can help to 'warm out' stiffness in the joints, which will decrease pain. In a normal, healthy joint, cartilage acts as a cushion, absorbing impact and allowing the bones to move easily over each other. When this cartilage is damaged, friction between the bone surfaces can lead to pain and reduced mobility. In most cases, the damage to a dog's joints occurs over time. This can be due to things such as age, weight gain, birth defects and injuries. The most common joints affected by arthritis are the hips, elbows and knees. However, any joint can be affected. Light exercise helps to improve the function of the joints involved, enabling them to move freely again. An arthritic dog may feel stiff at first after being stationary, whereas this disappears as they warm up. In healthy joints, a thin layer of smooth cartilage covers the bone surfaces and is lubricated with joint fluid. This prevents friction and helps the bones to move freely without pain or inflammation. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down and the bone ends rub together, creating pain and inflammation. This is called osteoarthritis and will occur in one in five dogs over their lifetime. Several factors can contribute to arthritis, including hereditary predisposition and weight gain. Overweight pets tend to have more severe osteoarthritis than lean dogs due to fat cells in the joint increase inflammation and stiffness. Dogs that do not get enough exercise are also at risk for developing joint issues. If it is noticed a dog is slowing down, acting hesitant to jump or go up and down stairs, or not showing much interest in their toys, then a vet should be consulted. In healthy joints the two bone surfaces are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage that is lubricated with joint fluid allowing the bones to glide over each other with minimal friction. This allows the dog to move around comfortably without pain or discomfort. However, when the dog has arthritis the cartilage within his joints becomes damaged or worn causing the bone surfaces to rub together. It is often worse in overweight & unfit dogs, so weight control, exercise and physiotherapy are key to managing the condition. Arthritis is the single most common cause of chronic pain in dogs. Getting or keeping dog slim is one of the best ways to prevent arthritis from developing, and it can help reduce the amount of stress on their joints.
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