Osteoarthritis | Early Signs In Labrador Retrievers

Large breeds just like Labrador Retrievers are more likely to suffer problems related to bones and joint that makes movement difficult and painful. We are aware that Labrador Retrievers are active and energetic dogs but if you notice that your pet is no longer the usual active and energetic dog he used to be, then something is wrong with him. The culprit could be osteoarthritis.

[su_tooltip style=”bootstrap” position=”north” size=”5″ title=”<h5>Osteoarthritis</h5>” content=”Osteoarthritis*, also known as degenerative arthritis, is a common condition in dogs characterized by progressive deterioration of articular cartilage in the joints of the limbs. It can cause a great deal of pain and lameness. Treatment options include medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and joint fluid modifiers such as glycosaminoglycans.  Other treatments include surgery, massage, warm compresses, chiropractic, and acupuncture”]Osteoarthritis[/su_tooltip] usually affects dogs in their middle and senior years but puppies can also be affected. It is a chronic, degenerative joint disease caused by progressive inflammation and deterioration of the cartilage, bone and soft tissue of one or more joints. Canine osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that lines the bones in a joint breaks down losing its cushion. This cartilage break down causes friction between the bones, results to stiffness, loss of mobility and various degrees of inflammation and pain.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Ostearthritis Symptoms in Dogs[/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Canine osteoarthritis is a result of unstable joints because of slack ligaments. Congenital joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, osteochondritis (OCD) and elbow dysplasia. That is why it is always important to treat these diseases at once to prevent it from developing into canine osteoarthritis. It can also be a result of trauma either from direct or indirect injury and from faulty bone and cartilage development.[/su_column][/su_row]Obesity will also result to osteoarthritis because of the excessive weight carried by the joints. Age and metabolic diseases may as well cause this disease. Joints commonly affected are the hips, elbows, lower back, knees and wrists.

Damaged Joint Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Canine osteoarthritis is a result of unstable joints because of slack ligaments. Congenital joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, osteochondritis (OCD) and elbow dysplasia. That is why it is always important to treat these diseases at once to prevent it from developing into canine osteoarthritis. It can also be a result of trauma either from direct or indirect injury and from faulty bone and cartilage development. Obesity will also result to osteoarthritis because of the excessive weight carried by the joints. Age and metabolic diseases may as well cause this disease. Joints commonly affected are the hips, elbows, lower back, knees and wrists.

See also  Arthritis in Dogs - Symptoms & Treatment in Senior Labradors

[su_row][su_column size=”2/3″ center=”no” class=””][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/3″ center=”no” class=””]There are signs to watch out for the presence of canine osteoarthritis. These signs include stiffness, lameness, pain and lethargy. An affected dog may also exhibit decreased activity, difficulty rising and cracking sounds during joint movement. Your vet will diagnose osteoarthritis based on your dog’s age, medical history and physical exam. X-rays of the joints may as well be needed to determine how severe the condition is.[/su_column][/su_row]

There are many ways to treat this disease and measures to prevent it. [su_tooltip style=”bootstrap” position=”north” size=”4″ title=”Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)” content=”Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are members of a drug class that reduces pain, decreases fever, prevents blood clots, and in higher doses, decreases inflammation.

Side effects depend on the specific drug but largely include an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, heart attack, and kidney disease.

The term nonsteroidal distinguishes these drugs from steroids, which while having a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action, have a broad range of other effects.

First used in 1960, the term served to distance these medications from steroids, which were particularly stigmatised at the time due to the connotations with anabolic steroid abuse. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 or COX-2). In cells, these enzymes are involved in the synthesis of key biological mediators, namely prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation, and thromboxanes, which are involved in blood clotting.

“]Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)[/su_tooltip] like Rimadyl are often prescribed however, this should only be used for short-term pain relief because of its wide range of side effects.

In severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as carprofen and meloxicam are commonly used to increase joint mobility and control pain. Weight control is also important especially in obese dogs. The dog’s regular exercise as well as other physical activity should be gentle to help trim weight and improve strength and mobility of the joint.

Remember, a dog with canine osteoarthritis should not be included in the breeding process to prevent the spread of this disease.

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Source by Richard Cussons