In the United States alone, about 20% of dogs are suffering from arthritis. This disease is degenerative which means that the function of structure of the affected tissues, muscles or organs can gradually deteriorate over a period of time. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent immobility. The most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain-dogs cannot tell you if they are hurting obviously but what signals will tell you that your dog is indeed affected with this chronic condition?
The following tell tale signs are indications of the degenerative disease:
-Your dog becomes violent or aggressive. He may yelp or he can be inactive and quite withdrawn
-The ears may lie flat against his head
-You will notice that your dog often licks the affected area
-Your dog may show personality changes. A normally docile dog may become unusually aggressive
-Aside from joint pain-dogs with arthritis have decreased activity (unwillingness to walk or play) and show signs of stiffness.
Have your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately so he can prescribe proper medication. Never assume and try to give your dog whatever you think will be good for him or her. With your doctor's background about pets and arthritis and the results of physical exam, x-ray, blood test and MRI, he can specifically point of what type of arthritis your dog is suffering from.
For joint pain-dogs do not respond well to over-the-counter pain killers all the time. You need to seek your veterinarian's approval before doing so otherwise you are risking in make matters worse.
The three basic things that you can do at home to relieve your dog's pain is by giving him a massage at least twice a day, providing him with heat treatments and applying medicated oil three or 4 times a day to the affected area. Keep your dog warm to help ease the pain that comes with arthritis.
No comments:
Post a Comment