Canine Arthritis
also known as
Canine Osteoarthritis
occurs as a result of wear and tear on a joint
and occurs as the dog advances in age. It is also known
as degenerative joint disease or just as dog arthritis. It
is characterized by the loss of the smooth cartilage that
covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable
(synovial) joint. The cartilage has no nerves so when
it touches the cartilage of another bone, there is no
pain. When the cartilage wears away, the bone is exposed. The
bone does have nerves so when the two bones in a joint
touch, it results in pain and inflammation.
Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules
called mucopolysaccharides. Chondroitin sulfate
is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure,
holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules
to move through. This is an important property as there
is no blood supply to cartilage In degenerative
joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, there is a loss
of chondroitin sulfate as the cartilage erodes.
Canine arthritis
is one of the most common sources
of chronic pain treated by veterinarians. While
many cases occur in older animals, dog arthritis can
affect pets of any age. Overweight dogs are likely candidates,
but dogs of all sizes are affected. And while larger
breeds are more prone to canine arthritis, all breeds and
mixed breeds can develop it.
Diagnosis of arthritis in dogs is usually done
by a physical exam done at your veterinarian combined
with x-rays. Below are 2 pictures of a normal hip
and a hip that has canine arthritis. Get an accurate diagnosis
before you determine the treatment.
Treatment and prevention are personal choices but involve
several options. Traditional medicine involves the use of
Rimadyl
which is controversial. A safer more holistic approach involves the use of
chondroprotecive agents and vitamin supplements which use glucosamine,
chondroitin, ester-C & MSM, among others. An example is a product called
Free & Easy. It is an excellent commercially
tested and approved product effective at preventing
canine arthritis and easing joint pain in dogs.
Products like
Free & Easy for
Dogs containing
anti dog arthritis supplements is proving to be one of the
safest and best treatments for the crippling affects of osteoarthritis that affects
millions of aging dogs throughout the United States.
