Diseases of the joints in dogs: types, symptoms, prevention and treatment

Joint diseases are very common among dogs. First of all, this disease affects large and heavy aging animals. Almost every Labrador, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog at the age of 8-10 begins to limp and pull its hind legs.

Types of joint diseases in dogs

Depending on the nature of tissue damage, the following types of joint diseases are distinguished:

Dysplasia. Most often observed in the hip and transmitted by inheritance.

Arthrosis. It develops due to wear and tear of tissues. The limb stops moving. Arthrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages, so usually the owners notice an ailment when there is nothing to be done about it. Arthrosis is often said to be neglected arthritis.

Arthritis. The most common type is osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis). This is a structural change in cartilage that is often accompanied by inflammation of the tissues. In this case, the animal can not move for a long time and goes to rest every 10-20 meters.

Osteochondrosis. It occurs due to a violation of the mineral composition of cartilage. Often observed in puppyhood and leads to chronic lameness.

Dislocations, sprains, intraarticular fractures, hemarthrosis (hemorrhage), synovitis (inflammation of the synovial capsule). Occur as a result of any injuries.

Causes of joint diseases

The cause of the development of joint diseases can be:

genetic predisposition (as is the case with dysplasia);

increased activity;

excess weight, which gives a strong load on the paws and skeleton;

uneven growth rate;

unbalanced diet (lack of vitamins, minerals and amino acids leads to an inferior development of the skeleton).

Prevention of joint diseases in dogs

To rule out dysplasia, competent breeders conduct tests and do not allow animals suffering from this disease to be bred. Therefore, it is better to take a puppy in a trusted nursery.

Prevent arthritis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis will help a balanced diet. The feed should contain vitamins, amino acids and minerals necessary for the growth of bone and cartilage. At the same time, excess weight should not be allowed. If your pet's sides are rounded, consult your veterinarian-dietitian about adjusting your diet.

In addition, for the proper development of the skeleton, a dog of any breed needs physical activity. Carefully study your pet's breed movement needs and use this information to calculate the duration and nature of your walks.

In this matter, it is important not to overdo it. Do not let your four-legged friend up to 11-15 months to overcome high obstacles, catch frisbee in flight (puppies are allowed only rolls - when the disc rolls on an edge on the ground).

If your pet is already elderly, provide him with quiet walks and small physical exertion. In severe cases, doctors offer to perform the operation, but it is very complicated and expensive, so the owners usually refuse it, because the old man is not easy to withstand anesthesia.

In veterinary pharmacies you can find various chondroprotectors - drugs that are designed to prevent and treat joint diseases. However, the effectiveness of these funds has not been proven. And not a single competent veterinarian appoints them, since this is a waste of money.

Diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases

Lameness and swelling on the limbs are usually visible to the naked eye. It is these symptoms that are the first “bells”. In controversial cases, radiography is performed, but often in the pictures it is difficult to consider the disease in the early stages.

Due to the complex diagnosis, any treatment for joint diseases is ineffective. You can only reduce the pain with anti-inflammatory and analgesic pills or injections, but it is unlikely to be completely cured.

If the animal cannot walk, it remains only to carry it outside in the arms to cope with needs. The rest of the time the dog will be lying.

So, to avoid this scourge, do not feed the pet, provide him with a balanced diet, moderate physical activity and do not walk in traumatic places. Also, it does not hurt to do dog fitness several times a week. Then the life of your pet will become longer and happier.