Joint Diseases of Senior Dogs

submitted: Aug 14th 2008 | by: RayLam | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 286 | PDF View | Print Article

Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a progressive condition in which the cartilage in the joint is slowly broken down, and bony changes occur. Any dog with a developmental or congenital joint problem, like dysplasia or patella luxation, is more prone to developing osteoarthritis. Dogs who have had injury to a joint such as a fracture involving the joint or a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee will be also more likely to develop DJD.

You can also give your dog a glucosamine and chondroitin table. It will help lubricate his cartilage. The normal dosage is a 500 mg tablet per ten pounds of body weight one time daily. MSM is an organic sulphur that studies have shown relieves arthritic pain, slows joint deterioration, and reduces inflammation. It hasn't any negative side effects. Since dogs don't usually get enough Omega 3's in their diets, give your dog a supplement like fish oil tablets to get these fatty acids. It helps reduce swelling in joints.

There are some recommended commercial brands to help relieve arthritis in dogs. Hill's (Rx/d) and Purina (JM Joint Mobility) are formulas made for this purpose. The most important joint supplements have been added to the dog food. If you decide to give your dog supplements instead, then go for the weight control formula because that will help his joints too.

These are some signs indicating that your dog is developing arthritis. Doesn't want to play, walk, run, climb stairs; Doesn't want to be petted or touched; Falling behind when you walk him; Has a hard time getting up from a prone position; Limps.

Arthritis doesn't have to slow your dog down, take steps when they're younger to prevent the irreversible damaged caused by arthritis.

About the Author

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