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Posts Tagged ‘Arthritis’

Watching out for your equines well being is easier said then done. The reality of the situation is horses can’t exactly tell you what’s wrong with them can they? So obviously the only method the horse owner can provide adequate health care for your horse is by using a keen eye.

This is particularly important when it comes to horse arthritis and equine athritis treatment. So what things can you observe that could suggest your horse has arthritis?

Just like people arthritis is more common as we get older. Arthritis can happen at an earlier age however in the greater scheme of things age is a factor and definitely if your horse is over 15 years old.

If your horse is is struggling with things like joint pain, swelling, grating noises from the joint areas, lameness or stiff legs then there is a high probability your horse could have arthritis and need equine athritis treatment.

One of the most common arthritis suffering discovered in horses are caused by joint wear and tear in assocaition with rheumatoid arthritis or quite simply narrowing joint space. One of the things you should consider for tending to the pain could be to administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs while others have treated the arthritis with intra-articular hyaluronic acid shots.

Call your veterinarian find out the best pain relieve treatment for your horse. Your horse doctor should be able to help you with any concerns about arthritis pain in your equine that you don’t understand.

Equine joint supplements like glucosamine chondroitin (which helps with cartilage regeneration and in taking care of existing good joints) are also used to treat degenerative joint disease.

Of course your horse veterinarian might decide to do various tests to help find the cause of joint pain swelling in your horse. This can involve taking the joint fluid from the inflammed area and have a close look under a microscope. Don’t be surprised to find out that your equine has gout pseudogout inflammation or maybe even an infection caused by the swelling.

Remember you really should consult with your veterinarian before treatment begins about the side affect associated with certain types of treatments could cause and ask about ways you can assist your horse to get well again or have a more comfortable existence if the problem is too bad to heal. Your veterinarian might also have to examine other areas for any soft tissue problems related to the arthritis.

Horse supplements can be purchased easily enough in most towns and perhaps even an online store could be a better alternative for price. In particular if you have to use the treatment on a recurring basis.

In conclusion your equine is no different to people with arthritis pain with the very same stubborn form of arthritis being osteoarthritis degenerative joint disease and you need to consult with your vet for the quickest performing anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the situation.

Like people, dogs can suffer from arthritis. Protective cartilage usually covers bones that are near their joints. When they walk, run, or move in any way, the cartilage on the ends of the bones rub against each other. There is no discomfort because there are no nerves present in the material. Over a period of many years the covering deteriorates. When that happens, the underlying bones are exposed to one another; when your pooch moves, they rub together and cause pain.

Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the factors that contribute to - or exacerbate - the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

Cartilage that protects bones from rubbing against each other is slowly worn away as canines age. This is known as primary DJD and affects nearly all breeds. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. If the problem has progressed to an advanced stage, a canine might lose his appetite and become reclusive.

How To Manage The Problem

Degenerative joint disease is progressive, so discomfort tends to increase over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. If a dog is severely overweight, veterinarians will recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribing medication.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

As soon as you know your dog has arthritis, ask your vet for a treatment path. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

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Even those of us that do not have canines at home realize that man’s best friend is highly susceptible to dog arthritis. How often have you seen some dog that maneuvers as though it is pain? This is particularly the case with older and/or heavier canines that are generally less active physically. Sound familiar? It might, because this is just the kind of life which causes arthritis in men and women, as well. Nowadays, we refer to arthritis a lifestyle disease with reason.

Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in dogs is very similar to arthritis in men and women, as it is a degenerative disease that creates stiffness of the joints and muscles. And as in men and women, arthritis with canines is quite common as joints will, in the normal course of events, suffer an amount of deterioration. And also as in people, arthritis – most usually osteoarthritis – in canines can be an uncomfortably tortuous ailment which, if not treated, causes great distress.

Age factor

One thing to consider is that arthritis can affect dogs at all ages. Yes, older dogs are more vulnerable to it, but that doesn’t mean younger dogs will not get it at all. For example, a young dog that has been in an accident or has sustained some kind of injury is also prone to develop canine arthritis. And then there are infections and diseases that can bring on arthritis, such as the disease called hip dysplasia, which is a common cause of limping in dogs, and which may lead to arthritis in later years.

First steps
Obviously, if your dog displays symptoms of arthritis, the first thing to do is to visit a vet. Getting the right treatment is essential as dog arthritis is not  100% curable, but, given the right kind of dog arthritis treatment, it can be kept in check.

And although you might not think it, gentle exercise is one of the best treatments, which may sound paradoxical since exercise will cause increased joint movement, but is actually of great help. That is because the exercises are not meant to be vigorous physical workouts, which will no doubt worsen the condition, but perhaps a steady walk, which releases lubricating fluids for the joints and aid their smooth movement.

See it coming
Naturally there is a variety of medicines and treatments that you can buy to alleviate the symptoms, though as we have already said, there is no 100% result. But these medications are assuredly prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best chance for helping the onset of canine arthritive, which really are the best ways to treat canine arthritis. So, assuming that dogs have an approximate life span of 14 years, if your pet is approaching 10, you should know that it’s time to ask your vet about ways to keep your dog healthy so that dog arthritis does not strike.