Diseases of dogs and their signs of joints. What to do and how to treat if a dog has arthrosis of the hip joints? Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

Changes in the joints of a pathological nature are called arthritis. This disease causes chronic pain in the animal and reduces the quality of life. A dog suffering from this disease rarely enjoys long walks, lies a lot and tries to move carefully.

Leptospirosis is also called Weil's disease, infectious jaundice, or Stuttgart's disease. This is zooanthroponosis, the causative agent of which is a bacterium from the genus Leptospira.

Not only dogs are susceptible to diseases, but also many types of agricultural (pigs, sheep), domestic (cats), wild (wolves, foxes, mice) animals, as well as humans. First of all, the liver and circulatory system suffer. Leptospirosis can be fatal if left untreated.

Arthritis is a pathological change that occurs predominantly in the joints. This ailment provokes the appearance of rather severe pains of a chronic nature in an animal, which significantly worsens the quality of his life. As a rule, dogs suffering from arthritis move little, lie down most of the time, and do not really like long walks.

There are several reasons for the development of arthritis in an animal:

1. The age of the pet. Arthritis is most commonly seen in older dogs. This is primarily due to the fact that with age, the joints of dogs lose their former elasticity.
2. The presence of a genetic predisposition to this disease.
3. The presence of excess weight. A large body mass greatly increases the load on the joints, as a result of which they wear out much faster.
4. Mechanical damage and injury. Arthritis can begin to develop as a result of a bruise, dislocation, sprain, or overuse.
5. Infectious and viral lesions of the joints.

It should also be borne in mind that large breeds of dogs have the greatest predisposition to joint disease. External conditions, for example, frequent movement of the animal on slippery surfaces, can accelerate the progress of arthritis. The greatest influence on the development of the disease is exerted by a large weight and age.

conjunctivitis in dogs - symptoms and treatment

The most common is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. This form of the disease is characterized by a progressive, constantly deteriorating condition of the cartilage of the joint. It can develop as a result of trauma or congenital joint pathologies, such as dysplasia (elbow or hip joint). This disease is completely incurable. However, symptoms and pain can be controlled.

Arthritis is a pathological change in the joints that is observed in dogs. Mostly, this disease is associated with the age of the pet, and very often arthritis accompanies the aging of the dog. You can learn more about how dogs age and what happens to their bodies here. So, according to experts,

every 4th dog, over the age of 5-8 years, suffers from arthritis.

However, sometimes arthritis can develop in a young dog, and there are reasons for this, which we will talk about a little later.

Causes

The causes of jaw arthritis are divided into 3 groups:

• trauma;
• infections;
• inflammatory pathologies.

Traumatic inflammation can be caused by a strong blow, injury.

It is not always possible to establish the truth of the cause that led to the pathology. The most likely ones are:

• predisposition of the breed;
• the influence of interspecific crossbreeding;
• predisposition of males (females are ill only in 20%);
• the presence of excess weight;
• hypothermia;
• extreme physical activity;
• lack of vitamins and minerals in the body;
• the quality of food and water, the state of the environment;
• an excess of calcium in food;
• from birth, excessive joint mobility;
• physical injury (dislocation, fracture).

Often the disease develops due to keeping the individual in a cold room or in the absence of warm bedding.

Arthritis in veterinary medicine is not yet a fully understood disease. Often the disease is associated with age, and the cause of its development is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joint. However, some breeds are characterized by the early development of arthritis. First of all, it concerns large breeds: chow-chow, dalmatians, etc. Most likely, this is due to genetically determined anatomical features.

Now let's look at the causes of arthritis in a dog - of course, they are tightly intertwined with species.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If speak about rheumatoid arthritis in dogs, the cause of its appearance has not yet been discovered. Luckily, they don't get sick very often.

And the most susceptible to this autoimmune disease are small dogs (dwarf, miniature). Moreover, they are only about 4 years old.

That is, not old people suffer, but quite even young dogs. In addition, not one joint is affected, but several at once.

After all, antibodies with the bloodstream are carried throughout the body, as a result of which almost all cartilage tissue is destroyed.

Injury

One of the causes of arthritis in dogs is trauma. Yes, the dog can hit hard, which will lead to a violation of the integrity of the joint capsule.

Because of this, swelling develops. And if a bacterial infection also “joins”, then arthritis appears in the dog.

However, there is traumatic functional arthritis in dogs. In this case, with a bruise, the capsule remains intact, but the muscles suffer (as with sprains and muscle fibers).

In this case, a cavity is formed in which blood begins to accumulate (a hematoma or simply a bruise), edematous fluid. Over time, everything is restored, and arthritis goes away by itself.

Other reasons

At the place of "connection" of the bones with each other, there is an articular capsule, and cartilage serves as a "layer" between them. This is a kind of pillow that prevents the articular surfaces of the bones from being erased during movement, deformed and destroyed.

Inside the capsule is a fluid that allows the joint to perform its function freely, without pain. But why can an inflammatory process develop in the joint?

1. Weakened immunity. Any infection that enters the body of an animal provokes the development of an inflammatory process.
2. Injuries: dislocations, bruises, sprains and ruptures of ligaments, fractures. The dog may stumble, twist its paw while running or jumping (toddlers, old people and overweight dogs are especially prone to such falls).
3. Rest on a hard and cold floor. If the dog lies on a hard surface for a long time, the joints often swell and harden, arthritis and arthrosis can develop.
4. Constant stress.
5. Inadequate nutrition. This is not the main reason, but rather a contributing one.

Each joint surrounded by cartilage and tissues is located in a capsule, which represents a kind of protection. With pathological processes in the joint, the capsule loses its natural elasticity, which affects the movement of the limb. This is how arthritis begins.

There are several reasons for the appearance of the disease. All of them, one way or another, are associated with a negative impact directly on the joint, in which cartilage degeneration occurs.

Age characteristics of dogs are one of the most common causes of the disease. As you know, with age in an animal, along with a deterioration in blood circulation, the elasticity of cartilage in the joints decreases.

This happens due to the leaching of calcium from the body. However, dogs still need to move.

Cartilage that has lost its former elasticity loses its protective functions, which leads to injuries and bruises.

Arthritis in dogs, unfortunately, is not a rare disease. Literally every 4-5 dogs at a respectable age are subject to it. This disease involves pathological negative changes in the functioning of the joints. The most susceptible to this disease are Dalmatian and Chow Chow dogs.

Forms of Arthritis in Dogs

There are five types of arthritis and all of them have specific characteristics.

Joint diseases are noted in dogs of various breeds, age groups. Representatives of large "heavy" breeds (mastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes, Alabai, Caucasians) fall into the risk group.

A large load on the bones, an uneven growth rate, especially in representatives of fast-growing, large foods, provoke all kinds of disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, which is especially dangerous for big dogs who live in small apartments.

Animals do not receive proper physical activity. With an unbalanced diet, macro-microelements, vitamins, amino acids do not enter the body of dogs in the right amount, which also negatively affects the state of muscle, bone structures, and joints.

This leads to various injuries, disorders.

Puppies are most commonly diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Dogs of small decorative breeds are less susceptible to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

If we analyze the types of arthritis, it becomes clear that this disease can be caused by many reasons. The most common are:

• weakened immunity;
• mechanical damage to the joints;
• infectious diseases;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• stress and excessive emotional stress.

It should be noted that this is only a small fraction of the reasons that can provoke the development of arthritis in an animal.

For an arthritic animal, walking becomes not a joy, but only a means of necessity.

Your pet will not run, sticking out his tongue, for a stick, will not bring the ball. Now he will move more carefully and more carefully.

Osteoarthritis in aging cats mainly manifests itself in the form of damage to the shoulder and elbow joints. After 12 years, the disease occurs in 90% of individuals.

• genetic predisposition. Some breeds that have appeared as a result of artificial selection in recent years have been prone to inflammatory processes in the musculoskeletal system.

Most often, lop-eared cats, for example, Scottish Fold breeds, suffer from this disease. The defective gene is associated with the phenomenon of hip dysplasia. Not uncommon in these breeds and congenital anomalies in the structure of connective cartilage.

• Injuries. Falls from a height, collisions with vehicles, fights with relatives and primordial feline enemies - dogs, as a rule, are accompanied by bruises, dislocations, sprains. Damage as a result of trauma to the tissues of the musculoskeletal system leads to inflammatory processes and the development of traumatic arthritis.

It is not worth comparing the levels of examination of animals and humans, and given that, until recently, arthritis in dogs and cats was “written off” to age characteristics, there is little specific data available on the “question of interest”. Arthritis is a broad concept that refers to all diseases of the joints or cartilage tissues. Conditionally, the disease is divided into the following types:

• Genetic arthritis - observed in artificially bred breeds with initial cartilage mutations.

Types of Arthritis

There are the following inflammations of the articular junctions:

• Congenital.
• Purulent.
• Rheumatoid.
• Dystrophic.
• Traumatic.

Congenital

Depending on what causes led to the development of arthritis, and what symptoms the disease manifests itself, there are several of its varieties. This division is conditional, it is not always possible to accurately determine the type of pathology.

Genetic

Older dogs of large breeds or dogs-“athletes” get sick more often than others. All types of arthritis in dogs:

• Genetic view. Yes, arthritis exists. It develops in those dogs that have been “artificially” bred. Many at the genetic level laid down the destruction of cartilage.
• Purulent. In this case, pus accumulates in the joint capsule. A very dangerous condition of the animal, because pus is always bacteria! In addition, without treatment, the dog can develop sepsis (blood poisoning).
• Rheumatoid. Another type of arthritis. With it, the mustache's own immune system produces antibodies to its own proteins. That is, the body attacks itself, in particular, cartilage tissue. Over time, the cartilage becomes so inflamed and then thinned that the bones wear away. It is very painful for the animal to walk. The joints are so enlarged and swollen that they cannot even bend.
• Dystrophic. It also develops metabolic due to metabolic disorders. As a result, the cartilage tissue becomes thinner and destroyed very quickly.

In veterinary practice, it is customary to distinguish between the following types of arthritis in dogs:

• Rheumatoid. This type of pathology is due to the fact that antibodies are produced in the animal's body against its own protein structures. Cartilage tissue is attacked by the immune system, becomes thinner and destroyed.

Signs and symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis

• Decreased physical activity. Dog refuse to play, from walks, seemingly weakened, sleeps a lot.
• Excess weight. Appears due to a decrease in activity.
• Gait disturbance. The dog tries not to step on the paw affected by arthritis.
• Pain. You can notice how the dog frowns, whines when moving. It is difficult for the pet to change the position of the body, walks, almost without bending its paws.
• Clumsiness.
• Apathy. The dog becomes indifferent to things that used to give pleasure. With severe pain, it may not meet the owners after separation.
• Responds to changes in the weather, especially atmospheric pressure. With pressure drops, the pain intensifies.
• When feeling a sick paw, pain appears, a crunch in the joint. The dog will either withdraw its paw or whine.

These diseases may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Lameness, unwillingness to walk and climb stairs, jump or play, lagging behind on a walk.
• Swelling and / or swelling in the joints.
• Pain in the joint area.
• Licking the affected joints.
• Sometimes an increase in local temperature.
• Change in behavior (sometimes aggression when touched).
• Crunch (crepitus) in the joint.
• The animal carefully sits down or gets up, stale after sleep - these signs can also indicate arthritis.

Symptoms will become more apparent as the arthritis progresses and the pain gets worse.

Symptoms

Quite often, the first symptoms of joint disease are so mild that even the most attentive owners may not notice them in a pet. They increase gradually and become more visible.

The main symptoms of joint damage in dogs are:

• refusal to walk, play;
• lethargy;
• unsteadiness of gait;
• step shortening;
• lameness provoked by pain;
• whining when lifting and starting to move;
• squeals when touching the sore joint;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss.

You can suspect arthritis in a dog by a tense gait: protecting the inflamed joint, the pet tries not to step on its paw. In this case, poor coordination of movements is observed. Predisposing factors are overweight in a dog, lack of physical activity, prolonged stress. There is a common story when the owners, because of their great love for the dog, overfeed it.

The undeniable reason is the age of the dog: the older the pet, the greater the risk of developing arthritis. The natural aging of the cartilage causes damage to the synovial membrane and stretches the articular bag.

The disease causes the dog to instinctively limit movement, causing pain. Reduced range of motion develops atrophy of the musculoskeletal system.

The dog moves little, sleeps more, and, accordingly, gains excess weight.

Another symptom of the disease is slowness. The dog seems to hesitate before approaching the food or going out into the yard. Getting up from a lying position, the dog whines, does not show a desire to walk, does not meet the owner upon returning home. Hanging limb syndrome and lameness may be observed. When touching a sore paw, the dog will whine in pain or snarl.

Diagnostics

At the first detected symptoms of the disease, you should take your pet to the veterinarian. The sooner arthritis treatment is started, the better the recovery will be.

The doctor with the help of certain exercises will determine the inflamed joint. Swelling and soreness of the joint will tell you which of the paws is affected by arthritis.

To determine the direction of treatment and drugs, it is necessary to take an x-ray. Radiography will help to assess the anatomy of the articular structure, to detect damage and deformation of the elements of the joint.

If necessary, a joint puncture is performed, with the help of a microbiological study, the etiology of the inflammatory process is clarified and the appropriate one is selected. antibiotic therapy.

The main manifestations of TMJ arthritis are:

• pain radiating to the ear, neck, temple, upper face, tenderness on palpation;
• crunching and clicking when moving (during eating, talking);
• displacement of the jaw towards the affected joint;
• swelling and redness in the area of ​​inflammation;
• restriction of mobility;
• increase in nearby lymph nodes;
• fever, chills;
• the formation of an infiltrate;
• hearing loss;
• dizziness;
• sleep disorders.

The manifestations of each form of the disease may differ.

Important! A decrease in pet activity is the first sign of the development of joint pathology.

• the dog avoids long walks, sleeps a lot;
• the pet takes care of the sick paw, carefully and heavily gets up, feels discomfort if the affected joint is touched;
• the gait becomes clumsy, the animal moves without bending its legs, limps;
• due to lack of movement, excess weight quickly appears;
• during a change in atmospheric pressure pain in the joints may increase.

Arthritis in dogs: symptoms, treatment should be determined by a specialist. If you notice signs of this disease in your pet, contact your veterinarian. He will examine, feel the pet's joints and determine which of them are inflamed or swollen.

READ ALSO: Doctor treating arthritis and arthrosis

After that, the dog must be x-rayed to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment. If there is fluid in the joint, it is pumped out with a syringe and sent to a laboratory for examination.

Possible Complications

A severe complication of arthritis is the loss of the ability to use the affected limb. The inflammation leads to deformity of the joint, causing the dog to experience severe pain when moving. There is a "drying" of muscle mass.

Due to the deformation of the cartilage tissue, the joint becomes less mobile, its surface becomes stiff.

It is important to notice the presence of any deviations in time, otherwise it threatens the dog not only long treatment but also a disability. Any changes are not always visible, therefore, it is possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after an X-ray examination. If the disease proceeds with a dissection of the cartilage, then the signs are noticeable even to a non-specialist.

Symptoms that report the development of this disease in dogs are:

• joint pain (subsequent symptoms are caused precisely by painful sensations, as the root cause of subsequent health problems in the dog);
• refusal to walk, especially in bad weather;
• low mobility;
• poor coordination of movements;
• gradual weight gain (due to low physical activity);

The following symptoms indicate the development of inflammation of the bone joint:

• Coupling hypertrophy and its soreness.
• Lameness.
• Violation of flexion functions.
• Inability to jump.
• The dog is hard to get up.
• local hyperthermia.
• Difficulty getting up and down.
• Reaction to rainy weather, accompanied by whining.

Symptoms and treatment of arthritis in dogs can be roughly divided into 4 groups - let's discuss each of them.

Weight gain

One of the unusual symptoms of arthritis in a dog is weight gain. Although this can be explained by the fact that the mustache is difficult to move. He tries to lie down more, as a result the dog grows fat. Even more difficult is the situation with already fat dogs. They develop obesity (in addition to arthritis, they may also develop diabetes and heart problems).

Enlarged joint and soreness

The inflamed joint always increases in size, painful. Its “flexion” function is violated, that is, the animal cannot bend its paw or turn its head. It will be very difficult for the mustache to get up from a prone position. Jumping is also almost impossible. This is one of the clear and direct symptoms of arthritis in a dog.

Temperature

If you touch the inflamed joint, it is felt that the skin in this area will be hotter than in a healthy one. The general body temperature may slightly increase (if the infection is to blame for the inflammation, then it all depends on the "underlying disease").

Difficulty moving

Sofas, stairs - a real test for the animal. Difficult to get up and down. After a long lying dog with inflamed joints, the process of getting up is delayed, accompanied by whining. And "magnetic storms" worsen the condition. Yes, and in rainy weather, sore paws begin to ache.

What are the symptoms of arthritis in dogs?

• The most obvious ones are an increase in volume (but such a sign can only be seen on the “visible” joints - on the limbs).
• Immobility of the inflamed joint. Due to edema, motor ability is impaired.
• Pain. Any movement in which the inflamed joint is involved causes the wildest pain to the animal.
• The dog rests more, tries to lie on the healthy “side”. However, if the inflammation is bilateral, then the dog tries to take an unnatural position, so as not to disturb the sore joints.
• Reluctance to walk, run, jump a lot. It is difficult for the dog to go down and up (including the stairs, he cannot jump on the sofa or go down).
• The dog begins to gain weight, despite the fact that the appetite is reduced. This is due to the fact that the animal began to walk and move less. The less physical activity, the more mass the pet will gain.

When the disease most often develops an inflammatory process in the joints, which leads to difficult movement of the animal. The pet steps heavily, sometimes limps. Because of the reluctance to experience discomfort when moving, the dog prefers to lie down more and move less. This lifestyle gradually leads to weight gain, which, in fact, is an additional load on the joints.

Thus, a vicious circle is formed, which is caused by the behavior of the dog. An attentive owner may notice that the pet avoids long walks, becomes inactive and quickly gains weight.

These signs can serve as a signal of the onset of the development of arthritis. At an advanced stage of the disease, the dog has muscle atrophy.

At the same time, the limb damaged by the disease looks much thinner than the healthy one.

Clinical manifestations with inflammation of the joints in dogs, they depend on the form, stage, degree of damage, age, and the general physiological state of the pet. In our smaller brothers, veterinarians most often diagnose purulent arthritis (osteoarthritis), bursitis, arthrosis various etiologies, osteochondrosis. Dogs suffer from synovitis - inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule.

Symptoms of inflammation of the joints:

• lameness, swelling of the limbs;
• decreased physical activity;
• drowsiness, apathy, depression;
• pain, discomfort when walking;
• violation of the heart rhythm, breathing;
• temperature increase;
• loss of appetite, increased thirst.

In dogs, regardless of breed, the knee and hip joints are most often affected. Inflammation is less commonly diagnosed shoulder joint.

Purulent arthritis

With purulent inflammation of the joints at the initial stage of the disease, the synovial membrane (the inner surface of the joint capsule) is affected, after which pathological process affects other elements of the joint.

A light yellow transparent liquid (synovia) flows out of the inflamed joint, which becomes cloudy on the second or third day from the onset of the development of the inflammatory process. In the circumference of the wound gelatinous clots are formed, swelling is noticeable. Nearby tissues are inflamed, hyperemic, hot to the touch, dough-like consistency.

The dog begins to limp, tries not to lean on the diseased limb, refuses to go for walks. It is difficult for animals to climb stairs.

In advanced forms, purulent fistulas appear. The body temperature rises sharply by 1-2 degrees (40-41 degrees).

Breathing is fast, heart rate is increased. The dog reacts weakly to external stimuli, tries to hide in a dark, cool place, lies motionless on the litter.

synovitis

Inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule occurs in dogs in an acute aseptic, chronic form. Exudate, sweating into the joint cavity, may be serous, fibrous, mixed.

At the beginning of the development of inflammation in the dog, activity decreases. Animals are reluctant to carry out commands, refuse to take part in outdoor games.

The state of apathy, oppressed. The temperature rises slightly (by 0.

5-1 degrees), the pulse accelerates. Breathing is rapid, shallow, intermittent.

Tissues in the affected area are hot to the touch, dough-like consistency. On palpation, the dog feels pain.

When walking, lameness is noticeable.

Deforming inflammation (chronic osteoarthritis)

The characteristic clinical symptoms in the development of deformable inflammation of the joints in dogs appear gradually. At the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process, the pathology proceeds hidden, latent.

Important! Deforming inflammation of the joints in dogs is chronic. Pathology is diagnosed in older animals, after seven to eight years. Most often, deforming inflammation affects the knee, hip joint on the hind legs.

The disease is characterized by a change in the bone structures of the joint, deformation. All bone growths in the lesion are gradually involved in the inflammatory process, which leads to its disfigurement.

It is manifested by slight lameness, which intensifies after physical exertion, intense loads, or vice versa, at the beginning of the movement. As the pathology progresses on the medial side, bone growths form around the entire circumference of the joint.

The bones near the joint are thickened. Possible development muscular atrophy.

Bursitis

Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the synovial bursa. In the lesion, a cavity (pocket) appears, filled with fluid that covers the joint. Bursitis occurs in dogs in acute, chronic form. In most cases, seals are noticeable on the hind limbs.

Hyperemia and pain appear in the joint area. A dense, painful, reddish swelling is clearly visible, which grows stronger as the disease progresses. Perhaps a local, general increase in temperature.

Like any other disease, arthritis is also easier to cure and alleviate the condition of the animal if it is detected at an early stage. To do this, you need to know some characteristic symptoms, which indicate the development of the inflammatory process in the joints. It is worth highlighting the following signs:

• the dog will, if possible, take care of the sore paw, limiting any movements, raising it;
• poor coordination of movement, slowness, unwillingness of the animal to go for a walk, especially in bad weather;
• an increase in body weight (associated with the low activity of the animal, as a result of pain when walking and running, the dog does not move much, most of the time lies and eats);
• “hanging limb” syndrome, the dog tries to keep the diseased paw on weight;
• when touching a diseased joint, the animal whines, snaps, because at this moment the pain intensifies.

As soon as a pet shows these symptoms, it should be taken to the veterinarian immediately. It is not worth debugging this visit, it is important to understand that the sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will be.

The doctor will examine the animal, take an x-ray of the paw, which will allow you to see the true picture of joint damage. If necessary, a joint puncture may be prescribed. The study of biological material helps to determine the nature of the inflammatory process. This is necessary for the correct selection of antibacterial drugs.

Arthritis is accompanied by a complex of symptoms, some of which are hard to miss:

• inflamed joints increase in volume (this is especially noticeable on large joints of the limbs);
• a joint affected by arthritis loses mobility, it decreases due to swelling;
• soreness - even a slight movement causes severe, unbearable pain in the dog;
• the dog rests most of the time, lying on the healthy “side” of the body; if the inflammatory process is bilateral, then he can choose to rest in an unnatural position that does not cause pain;
• decrease in activity - the pet reluctantly responds to the call to take a walk, may completely refuse to play, has difficulty going down or up stairs; cannot climb onto a favorite sofa, etc .;
• weight gain - the dog is getting fat, but at the same time eating less than usual; this is due to low mobility and activity.

The changed behavior of a pet should alert you - after all, dogs often endure pain, and only accompanying signs give out that something is wrong with their health.

Irreversible functional disorders in the joint begin with the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue. Degenerative processes lead to wear of the elements of the musculoskeletal system, a decrease in intra-articular fluid and the development of inflammation.

At first, pathological changes do not cause pain to the animal, and the disease does not have severe symptoms. Stiffness of movement, severe pain, a change in the general condition of the pet do not develop immediately. At the same time, in a domestic cat, the owner can note the following Clinical signs:

Many owners of sick animals note that with an inflammatory disease of the musculoskeletal system, the pet tries to avoid communication with household members and seeks solitude.

The following symptoms indicate the development of arthritis in a four-legged friend:

• Decreased motor activity. The animal rarely takes part in active games with the owner and fellows. Long walks are beyond the power of an ill dog, it often stops, reluctantly follows the owner, sluggishly executes commands.
• Pain syndrome. The inflammatory process is accompanied by painful sensations. After sleep, rest, the dog moves carefully. The animal tries to avoid stairs, especially when descending. When feeling the limbs, pelvic joints, anxiety is observed on the part of the pet. The inflamed tissues are hot to the touch.
• Increase in body weight. Obesity is associated with hypodynamia.
• Lameness. Most often observed after sleep and rest.

A sick animal is often in a depressed, lethargic state, and there may be a decrease in appetite.

Spondylosis is a complex of degenerative changes in various structures of the vertebral motor segments (fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs (IVD), facet joints, ligaments or the vertebrae themselves). In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), pathology is assigned the M47 code.

Symptoms and tactics of treatment of spondylosis depend on its stage, localization and the presence of concomitant diseases or complications.

Although the diagnosis should be made by a veterinarian, after examining the dog, performing tests and examinations, owners should also be aware of the symptoms that may lead them to think that something is wrong with their friend.

So, if you notice that your always active dog suddenly began to lead a passive and inactive lifestyle, refuses to play and walk, her weight indicators have decreased despite the fact that the diet has remained the same, she behaves clumsily and clumsily in bad weather prefers to endure and refuses walks, sometimes you hear her whine plaintively - perhaps she has arthritis.

Be sure to take the dog to the veterinarian so that he can confirm or refute your fears. Indeed, many of these symptoms may relate to other diseases that require a completely different approach to treatment, therefore, it is very important not to diagnose the dog yourself, but to contact a specialist who will not be mistaken.

Diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a dentist, traumatologist, rheumatologist. Diagnosis of arthritis of the TMJ includes laboratory (general and biochemical blood tests, enzyme immunoassay, PCR) and instrumental (radiography, CT scan) surveys.

In acute arthritis, x-rays reveal the presence of infiltrate, expansion of the joint space. Diagnostic features chronic arthritis are: narrowing of the gap, usura (bone erosion), osteoporosis, sometimes the presence of osteophytes and the destruction of cartilage surfaces.

Acute jaw arthritis is important to differentiate with arthrosis of the TMJ, acute otitis media, neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve branch, difficult and painful teething of the wisdom tooth, mumps.

Based on the history and examination, a preliminary diagnosis is made, which is clarified by the appointment. additional research. Standard analyzes of urine and blood make it possible to assess the severity of the inflamation process and its nature.

Radiography establishes the localization of arthritis, reveals the presence of fluid in the articulation chamber, bone deformity, cartilage degradation and other characteristic pathological changes.

Arthritis occurs mainly in a permanent form, so the concept of treatment gives a big role to the dog breeder. The owner will have to learn how to give injections, acquire the skills to give pills. There are conservative and operational methods healing.

Not surgery is to eliminate the pain that prevents the pet from leading a full life. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial agents, diet therapy are used. The following medicines are in demand:

• Rimadyl.
• Metacam.
• Dimedrol.
• Stop arthritis.
• Analgin.
• Indomethacin.
• Voltaren.
• Brufen.
• Hydrocortisone.
• Kenalog.
• Traumel.
• Chondroprotector.
• Khionat.

If signs of arthritis appear, contact your veterinarian. The doctor will examine the dog, assess the condition of the joints, check their mobility.

The veterinarian will prescribe general clinical studies (general and biochemical analysis blood) to determine the type of arthritis.

For further diagnosis, it is necessary to make an x-ray of the affected joints. Sometimes a diagnostic puncture is used.

Arthritis in dogs is most often treated with medication. the following drugs:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Metacam, Onsior. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Antibacterial drugs. Treat arthritis with antibiotics if it is caused by a bacterial infection.
3. Chondroprotectors. They are prescribed if the appearance of arthritis is associated with dystrophic changes, as well as with arthrosis.

In addition to drug treatment, exercise therapy is also indicated. A number of exercises can be performed at home. Any load should be soft, gentle and gradual. Veterinarians recommend water treatments, such as visiting a pool with a dog.

The treatment of bursitis in dogs is also medical and consists in the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Uncharacteristic symptoms, similarity with other numerous pathologies of the organs of movement makes it difficult to diagnose the disease early. An experienced veterinarian will pay attention first of all to the groomed coat, the plantigrade position of the hind limbs.

To study the disease in veterinary practice, in addition to a clinical examination of a sick animal, a puncture is used, followed by a bacteriological analysis of the resulting intra-articular fluid, as well as cytological and laboratory research methods. Laboratory diagnostics allows you to identify, as a rule, the infectious nature of the disease.

An effective method for recognizing destructive processes in the joint is radiography. X-rays can reveal the deformation of the bone tissue, assess the localization of inflammation, and reveal the narrowing of the joint space. On the radiograph with arthritis, thickening and mineralization of soft tissues are observed.

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Treatment

For more effective treatment Any joint disease in dogs is prescribed a special diet. The diet should not contain dry food containing a large amount of carbohydrates and starch.

It is also necessary to exclude cereals and potatoes from the diet, since such products can provoke an exacerbation of an existing disease. It is important to diversify the dog's menu with cartilage, herbs and oily fish.

Do not feed a sick animal with fatty meats, which include pork. It is better to give preference to beef and poultry.

In the fight against this disease, physiotherapy is widely used. For example, massage improves blood circulation in the affected limb, reduces pain, relaxes muscles, promotes the resorption of exudate in the joints.

Heating is used to stimulate regenerative processes in cartilage tissue. This procedure favorably affects the ligaments of the joints, thereby increasing their elasticity and improving mobility.

How to treat arthritis in dogs? The course of treatment will be prescribed depending on the causes that caused the development of the disease.

Medical methods

First of all, drugs are prescribed that reduce pain. The treatment of arthritis with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is controversial due to side effects. However, in cases where other drugs do not bring relief, their use is allowed with certain precautions.

Treatment for arthritis in dogs involves the use of glycosaminoglycans in the form of injections and supplements. The drugs contribute to the restoration of cartilage and synovial fluid. Additionally, hyaluronic acid may be prescribed.

Therapeutic methods

In addition to medical treatment, a dog with arthritis will need gentle therapy that strengthens the muscles. The best option is swimming, in which the muscles are strengthened, and there is no load on the paws.

However, you should not swim in cold and windy weather, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of arthritis. You need to walk your dog every day for at least 10-20 minutes.

The itinerary must include ascent and descent. As the condition improves, the load can be gradually increased.

The exception is older dogs, for which long walks are not recommended.

Massage is contraindicated in purulent arthritis. This condition can be relieved by special compresses.

Therapeutic mixtures are applied to the tissue, applied to the inflamed joint and fixed. In a veterinary pharmacy, you can purchase a special therapeutic bandage that facilitates movement and retains heat.

Diet and conditions of detention

An important condition is the diet, especially for overweight dogs. With obesity, a pet must be put on a diet to get rid of excess weight.

Nightshade foods should not be present in dog food: tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and grains. It is recommended to add seeds, yolks, ginger, Exotic fruits, papaya, mango, orange.

With this disease, dogs need vitamins E and C, they should be taken daily.

In the presence of arthritis in a dog, you should take care of its sleeping place. The bedding should be dense and warm, the couch should be placed in a place protected from drafts. In the case of a dog living on the street, the booth is insulated, drafts are unacceptable. Heat is a necessary condition in the treatment of arthritis in dogs. The exception is purulent arthritis.

If the pet lives at home, it is necessary that the floor covering is not slippery. To avoid injury, use carpet or other carpeting.

Unfortunately, arthritis is difficult to treat and often results in chronic form. It is recommended to strictly follow the instructions of the attending physician in order to keep the pet in shape.

Large dogs are more often affected by the disease: Labrador, German Shepherd, Mastiff, St. Bernard, Rottweiler. The owners of these breeds should take this into account and observe preventive measures.

Infectious arthritis must be treated conservatively or surgically. With conservative therapy, antibacterial drugs, a puncture of the joint and immobilization of the limb is performed.

Treatment by the puncture method involves the evacuation of exudate, washing the articular cavity with antiseptic solutions and the introduction of an antibiotic. At the same time, antibiotic therapy is carried out and immobilization of the limb is provided.

Operative treatment is prescribed if conservative therapy has not brought improvements. An arthrotomy is performed, during which an opening and revision of the diseased joint is performed, purulent exudate is removed, necrectomy and sanitation are performed. In advanced cases, if the articular ends of the bones are affected, the joint is resected. Then drainage is carried out, and the limb is immobilized for a long time.

Conservative therapy arthritis includes taking pharmacological agents and conducting physiotherapeutic procedures. In the chronic form of pathology, medical and physiotherapy is supplemented by therapeutic exercises.

During the treatment of acute arthritis, it is necessary to provide the joint with complete rest. For this purpose, a special sling-like bandage is usually used to hold the jaw in a closed position. On the side of inflammation, a plate is placed between the teeth, separating the upper and lower jaws.

At infectious lesion the bandage is worn for 2-3 days, in case of traumatic - at least 10 days. During this time, the patient is allowed to eat only liquid food, it is impossible to talk.

Preparations

Maxillofacial arthritis treated pharmacological agents several groups.

1. Analgesics (Analgin, Butadion) eliminate pain.
2. NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Celecoxib, Nimesulide) stop inflammation, reduce pain and swelling.
3. Glucocorticosteroids (Kenalog, Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Diprospan) have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and are used for severe inflammation. They are injected directly into the affected joint.
4. Chondroprotectors (Movex, Sinarta, Artron, Alflutop, Teraflex) prevent the destruction of cartilage tissue, activate regeneration processes. They are prescribed for long courses (2-3 months).
5. Cytostatics and immunosuppressive agents (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide) suppress immune responses and are the means of basic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of infectious arthritis. In each case, the drug is selected taking into account the identified pathogen and its sensitivity to antibacterial agents one group or another. Most often, broad-spectrum antibiotics of the group of cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, penicillins are prescribed.

In septic arthritis, the joint cavity is opened, a drain is installed through the external incision to remove purulent contents. The patient is intramuscularly injected with broad-spectrum antibiotics (usually Ceftriaxone), narcotic painkillers (Morphine), NSAIDs.

Necessary treatment is prescribed depending on the age of the dog, the severity of the disease and the general health of the body. Both medical and surgical treatment is possible.

Drug treatment is prescribed by a doctor, the owner can also carry out therapy, which cannot be said about the operable way of treatment at an advanced stage. Treatment should be aimed at combating the inflammatory process, relieving pain in the dog and restoring cartilage.

At an early stage, therapy is carried out with analgesics. Often, nutritional adjustment leads to the fact that the disease recedes, tissues are restored without additional procedures.

If the disease has passed into a severe form, they resort to a cure in an operable way.

So, the main methods of treatment:

• dietary compliance. The patient's diet should include normal given age, weight and breed quantity useful substances, while the amount of calcium consumed should be reduced;
• the use of appropriate medications (Lincomycin, Nimesulide);
• at the initial stage of the disease, you can resort to massage of the affected limbs;
• conducting surgical operation(return of the lost efficiency of the quadriceps muscle and stabilization of the patella);
• a decrease in physical activity during a walk, and an increase in postoperative recovery of muscle performance;
• additional muscle training through water procedures.

After the operation, the animal needs increased care, injections of Prednisolone.

A dog suffering from arthritis can be helped both conservatively (medication) and using alternative methods.

Alternative Methods

If the disease is not in an acute stage, and the dog does not experience severe pain, the owner of the animal can safely use arthritis recipes that include various herbs and other natural materials.

From this video you will learn how to cure joint diseases in a dog.

How to treat arthritis in a dog? Pet therapy should be prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian! Human arthritis drugs, even for humans, are not always suitable (many side effects, can affect the liver in a negative way), they must be selected very carefully and always under the supervision of the attending physician. So, your dog has arthritis - what to do?

Medical therapy

And it's even harder for dogs. There are very few drugs for arthritis in veterinary medicine.

Therefore, antibiotics are often prescribed, warming ointments (but not with purulent inflammation.)

Warming gel for horses, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy, works well. Surprisingly, even people with sore joints get this remedy for themselves, because it perfectly helps to relieve pain.

But since you don’t know what kind of arthritis a dog has without a veterinarian’s examination, you shouldn’t start smearing such gels and applying heating pads on your own.

Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs are required, which will remove some of the symptoms and alleviate the condition of the pet. some veterinarians advise giving the dog a special remedy - Stop Arthritis. For information on how to use it, ask your veterinarian.

Keep track of the body weight of the animal.

• Firstly, it will reduce the load on sore joints.
• Secondly, the joints will stop collapsing further. Enrich your diet with calcium.

Bed

Make the bed softer so that it is not painful to lie down (a mattress that can take the shape of the body is ideal). All slippery and smooth surfaces must be carpeted. This is required so that already sore paws do not move around on the floor.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure a dog with arthritis. Often, the symptoms are simply removed, that is, the animal is in remission. But then again the joints swell, become very inflamed and hurt. Only functional arthritis completely disappears (with proper treatment).

Physiotherapy measures and special exercises

Jaw arthritis can be eliminated with the help of physiotherapy:

• ultrahigh frequency therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• phonophoresis using "Hydrocortisone";
• diadynamic therapy.

It is important to develop the maxillary joint through special gymnastics. The treatment complex helps prevent improper fusion of mobile joints. It includes exercises:

• Weak pressure on the chin, followed by a slow lowering and raising of the jaw.
• The part of the chin protruding forward is grasped with the fingers and gently moved up and down.
• The jaw is moved by the hands to the left and right sides.
• Press your fingers on the chin, while pushing the jaw forward.

Arthritis is chronic illness Therefore, treatment methods are based on proper care for the pet, creating the most comfortable living conditions for him. Since it is not always possible to find out the exact cause, it is usually necessary to treat the consequences of the disease.

Effective in the rheumatoid form of the disease hormonal preparations. Be sure to prescribe immunotherapy and a balanced diet, which includes a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins.

If a dog has hematomas in the area of ​​damaged joints, then the use of compresses with a decoction of wormwood or nettle is effective.

infectious arthritis, and final stages diseases sometimes require surgical intervention by puncture. Using this technique, exudate is drained from the joint. Often, drastic measures are resorted to in the case of a severe form, in which limb deformity is noted.

To prevent the disease, preventive measures are important, providing for regular walks in the fresh air. It is necessary to give the dog the opportunity to run during walks. But heavy loads (for example, training) for dogs prone to arthritis are very dangerous. Water procedures are useful for preventive purposes, especially in warm weather in open water.

Marina Avanesova

Treatment of leptospirosis is not carried out independently at home. This is always fraught with disastrous results. A complex of procedures is carried out in a clinical setting. It consists of symptomatic and specific treatment and is aimed at:

1. Destruction of the pathogen.
2. Restoration of the work of the affected organs.
3. Elimination of intoxication.
4. Stopping diarrhea and vomiting.

Since the animal is emaciated, lethargic, drugs often have to be administered intravenously.

Specific treatment includes the administration of serum with antibodies and antibiotics. Serum is administered no later than 4-6 days after the onset of the first symptoms. Of the antibiotics, preference is given to penicillin drugs, such as streptomycin.

Symptomatic treatment is carried out to eliminate current symptoms and restore the functions of the affected organs. Yes, to restore of cardio-vascular system, use saline and nutrient solutions, vitamins B and C, as well as drugs such as riboxin.

Intoxication is eliminated, along with saline and nutrient solutions, with the help of sodium thiosulfate, glutargin and similar drugs. It is important to start the restoration of the liver and kidneys along with the destruction of the bacteria.

After recovery, the dog has a strong immunity to the disease.

The choice of methods and drugs for the treatment of arthritis in dogs depends on what caused the disease, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal.

Painful manifestations of arthritis require the use of drugs that will relieve pain and help reduce the inflammatory process. For this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, although they have a number of side effects, but in some cases they are simply indispensable in veterinary medicine. Therefore, they are prescribed, but in a dosage strictly indicated by the doctor.

In addition, glycosaminoglycans are used, in the form of injections or supplements. Their purpose is to restore damaged cartilage and synovial fluid.

Sometimes, hyaluronic acid is also prescribed as an additional medication.

In the treatment of arthritis in a pet, an integrated approach is important. Therefore, in addition to taking medications, it is necessary to provide the animal with therapy to strengthen muscle tissue.

Swimming helps a lot in this case. This type of physical activity allows you to train muscles without loading the injured limb.

But, remember that everything is fine within reason. Under no circumstances should an animal be allowed to swim in cold water, because inflammation can worsen even more and then, instead of the expected relief, the animal's condition will only worsen.

Daily walks for ten minutes are also useful, which should be gradually increased to half an hour.

In the treatment of arthritis, physiotherapy procedures are good, in the form of massage, special compresses. However, they should only be used after consultation with a veterinarian. Since they also have a number of contraindications, one of them is purulent arthritis.

When a pet is sick, it needs to be properly maintained and fed. This allows you to provide a favorable environment for recovery and helps to strengthen the body.

Since with arthritis the animal moves little and gains excess weight, it is necessary first of all to provide him with dietary nutrition, which will allow him to lose weight and reduce the load on the diseased limb.

At diet food exclude all nightshades and grains. And they introduce seeds, egg yolks, ginger, and various fruits into the diet.

It is important to ensure the daily intake of vitamins E and C in the body.

Now a few words about the content of the animal. In the treatment of arthritis, warmth is an important point. Therefore, the dog must live and sleep in warmth and dryness, especially for those animals that live on the street.

Treatment of arthritis requires strict adherence to all recommendations, since this disease is very difficult to treat and there is a high risk of it becoming chronic.

Regarding the treatment of infectious arthritis, we note that in this case a conservative or surgical method is used.

In the first case, antibacterial drugs and puncture evacuation of exudate with washing of the articular cavity with special preparations and the introduction of antibiotics are used. In addition, fixation of the limb is provided.

When conservative methods fail, surgical intervention is prescribed. It consists in opening and revision of the diseased joint from which purulent exudate is removed, necrectomy and sanitation are performed. If necessary, resection of the joint is done with drainage and complete immobilization of the paw for a long time.

The treatment regimen for arthritis in dogs includes three areas: eliminating the inflammatory process, relieving the animal of pain, and restoring lost bone and cartilage cells. You can get this result with the help of the following activities:

1. Regular intake of drugs containing hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin. These substances help to repair damaged tissues and slow down the development of the disease.
2. Taking painkillers. Often, specialists prescribe Carprofen or Ketoprofen. The use of these funds should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician, since their improper use can lead to the development of stomach diseases.
3. Hormonal agents. Typically, animals are given hydrocortisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone. Such drugs can quickly eliminate inflammatory processes.
4. Various warming gels. Such remedies also eliminate pain well, but they cannot be used when pus appears in the joint. As a rule, horse gels are prescribed for dogs.
5. Physiotherapy. The animal will need to be massaged, this will help improve blood circulation in muscle tissues and in general in the limbs. In addition, such an event helps to eliminate toxic substances. Swimming is also a great option.
6. operational measures. This option may include surgical replacement of the joint or removal of the diseased limb.

It is important to understand that these tools are not universal. Only the attending physician should select drugs and a treatment regimen. It is very important to correctly determine the form of the disease, because some drugs are prohibited from using in certain forms of the disease.

how to tell if a dog is sick

One of the most common complaints among owners of dogs with neurological problems is that both hind legs fail. In this case, the dog:

• Starts to move abnormally.
• The hind legs, as it were, cease to obey, become weak.
• Paresis develops, or complete paralysis of the pelvic limbs.

Most often, this problem occurs in dogs of small and medium breeds that have a genetic predisposition to lesions of the intervertebral discs. These dogs include mainly dachshunds, in addition, all brachycephalic breeds - Pekingese, French Bulldog, Brabancon and others. As a rule, the hind legs of such dogs begin to work abnormally at the age of 3-8 years.

The first symptom of neurological disorders in the chest lumbar of the spinal column, which lead to the fact that the dog's hind legs begin to be taken away, is pain. Later, weakness appears, the inability to move the limbs, and last of all, pain sensitivity disappears.

These symptoms usually come on abruptly while walking or playing with other dogs, or without visible symptoms. external causes in a state of relative rest. Sudden movements can provoke the appearance of such symptoms, but are not their main cause. Many owners of dachshunds believe that a significant length of the spinal column plays a role in the development of the disease, but this is not true. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease occur all at once, but it also happens that in the morning the dog feels only pain, and by the evening paralysis of the limbs develops with loss pain sensitivity.

There are many reasons why a dog's hind legs fail. And, of course, those owners who suddenly encountered this problem are lost and do not know what to do. Just yesterday, their pet briskly jumped on the sofas and played catch-up with the neighbor's dogs, but today it lies listlessly, unable to get up.

The cases of damage to the limbs themselves include injuries (fractures, sprains and ruptures of the tendons, damage to peripheral nerves), as well as arthritis and arthrosis of the joints of the limbs, tumors.

If the above diagnoses are excluded, then it is most likely a spinal pathology, that is, a violation of the innervation of the limbs due to any pathological effects on spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis of the hind limbs develop in case of damage to the spinal cord at the level of the thoracic and (or) lumbar spine.

• Injuries

Failure of the hind legs in a dog can occur due to trauma - with fractures, sprains and ruptures of ligaments and tendons, with damage to peripheral nerves, as well as due to diseases such as arthrosis, arthritis of the joints of the extremities, tumors, discopathy and herniated disc. In addition to these diseases, spinal pathology is possible, in which the innervation of the limbs is disturbed due to the impact on the spinal cord of adverse factors. Paresis and paralysis are frequent companions of lesions of the spinal cord in the lumbar and thoracic.

The most common reason why the hind legs fail in dogs is traumatic: car injuries, falls, blows, strong bites during fights. In some cases, an unfortunate sharp turn, jump and slip on the ice crust can lead to such consequences.

In the place of direct trauma to the spine, the integrity of the spinal column (its structure) is violated, edema occurs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and radicular nerves. Accordingly, the supply of blood with oxygen stops, and with prolonged compression, the nerve cells die, which makes it impossible to pass nerve impulses By peripheral nerves. Severe traumatic injury leads to a violation of the integrity of the spinal tissue, and a rupture of the spinal cord occurs.

• Degenerative diseases of the spine

Failure of the normal functioning of the hind limbs in dogs can provoke degenerative diseases spine, which are characterized by a violation of important metabolic processes in its tissues. So this leads to pathological changes structures of the links of the spinal column.

• Spondylosis

The hind legs of a dog can fail with spondylosis - "local aging" of some vertebral segments. This disease proceeds very slowly, and at the earliest stage it is practically not detected. First of all, the outer fibers of the fibrous ring are affected (the consistency of the nucleus pulposus is preserved), and then calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament begins. Osteophytes develop, which visually resemble beak-shaped growths.

• Tumors in the spine

Tumor-like processes gradually developing in the immediate vicinity (or itself) of the spinal cord lead to pathological changes and fractures of the spinal column. With a sharp exacerbation of the process, edema and compression of the roots and spinal cord occur, and the following symptoms can be observed in the dog: weakening or failure of the hind limbs, arched back, impaired gait, when the position of the body changes, the dog squeals, concomitant disorders occur (violation of urination and defecation) , in some cases refusal to feed.

• Spondylarthrosis

A consequence of static loads in osteochondrosis of the spine may be spondylarthrosis (deforming arthrosis of the joints of the spine). Uneven loads on the spinal column can also lead to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the pathologically altered annulus fibrosus. This phenomenon is called vertebral hernia. Protruding towards the spinal cord, the hernia causes compression of the radicular nerves and (or) the spinal cord.

• Discopathy

Neurological lesions of the pelvic limbs are most often based on diseases of the intervertebral discs (discopathies). In this case, the altered substance of the disk penetrates the spinal canal and clamps the spinal cord or the roots of the spinal nerves, which manifests itself in the form of a neurological deficit. Often, a large dog's hind legs fail, and this problem has its own characteristics. Similar lesions are observed in older animals of large and giant breeds: German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Great Danes and others. As a rule, this group of dogs develop clinical symptoms progresses slowly over several months or even years. In this case, it is possible to assume damage to the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine or at the level of the lumbosacral junction, as well as lumbosacral stenosis.

Discopathy is very common in French Bulldogs. It is connected with anatomical structure animal, when in the course of artificial selection the spine has become elongated, and now undergoes stronger loads than the spine in "normal" dogs. The distance between the vertebrae became much larger than normal. This is due to genetics and is inherited. A disc prolapse can occur not only during active movements and jumps, but even at rest, when the dog is sleeping or lying quietly.

• Dysplasia

Very often, owners of dogs of heavy breeds (St. Bernard, Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retriever, Great Danes, etc.) are faced with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common disease in puppies is hip dysplasia. This disease is hereditary and manifests itself most often between the ages of 4 and 10 months during intensive growth. At first there is a problem getting up, especially after sleep. The dog limps, then disperses and walks normally. Further, without treatment, the symptoms can intensify, up to the complete refusal of the dog to walk. If you notice such signs, you need to take the dog to the veterinarian and take an x-ray.

• Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis of the spine is considered the most severe form of damage, this disease is based on degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs (discopathy), often involving the surrounding vertebral bodies, as well as changes in the ligamentous apparatus and intervertebral joints.

The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis can be:

• Genetically determined developmental defects that cause instability of the vertebrae.
• Rheumatoid lesions.
• Spinal injury.
• Violation of microcirculation, leading to malnutrition of the disk.
• autoimmune processes.

It is also possible spinal pathology, which arises from the impact of adverse factors on the spinal cord. Frequent companions lesions of the spinal cord in the thoracic and lumbar region - paresis and paralysis. Most often, dog paws suffer from falls (especially in small breeds), car accidents, bumps and strong bites during fights.

Even an unsuccessful jump, a sharp turn, or a dog slipping on an ice crust can lead to paw failure. At this moment, the integrity of the structure of the spinal column is violated at the site of injury to the spine, edema occurs, which compresses the radicular nerves and the spinal cord.

Of course, the answer will be to contact a veterinarian, preferably one specializing in neurology. If you notice a pain reaction in your dog when changing the position of the body, a tense gait, an unwillingness to walk, especially on stairs, do not wait until her hind legs fail - immediately show the animal to a doctor, then the treatment will be more effective. If the trouble with the hind legs has already happened, all the more you should not wait any longer.

If the animal has a spinal injury, try to get it to the doctor as soon as possible and in an immobilized state (secure the animal on the board with bandages or straps). Do not use painkillers until you see a doctor. Pain limits the activity of the animal, which avoids further displacement of the vertebrae in the event of a fracture.

It is possible to notice the onset of the disease and urgently consult a specialist, but most inexperienced owners do not attach importance to such important symptoms as:

• Anxiety.
• The dog hides and squeals when they begin to touch it on the back.
• The dog is passive when other dogs are frolicking.

However, in most cases, the alarm begins to sound when the dog's hind legs partially begin to fail, or paralysis develops. And here it is necessary to differentiate such a disease as sciatica. Wrongly prescribed treatment (for example, instead of maximum immobilization of the animal - massage), will miss precious time and aggravate the situation.

The sooner help is provided to the dog, the better the prognosis for its recovery. In any case, you should not despair, because there are cases when completely immobilized dogs were put on their paws and returned to active life. Depending on the diagnosis, drug treatment in the form of injections. A more radical case in the case of diseases of the spine is an operation, after which the treatment also continues.

In parallel, the dog is prescribed a massage, during the recovery period, swimming is recommended, classes with the dog after the return of physical activity to it. All dog owners should remember that a paralyzed dog cannot be helped at home. It is necessary to consult a doctor, go through all the prescribed examinations for an accurate diagnosis and start timely treatment.

First, the doctor will examine general state, will emergency assistance and make an initial diagnosis. When it comes to spinal pathology, the doctor:

• Check the safety of sensitivity (tactile and pain) of the limbs.
• Check the safety of the reflexes.
• Check for pain in the spine.
• Order an x-ray.
• It is possible that a myelography will be performed, that is, an X-ray image will be taken after the introduction of a special radiopaque substance into the spinal canal. This is done to identify the slightest violations that are not noticeable in a regular picture, as well as to determine the exact localization of the process. If necessary, he will prescribe blood and urine tests to identify concomitant pathologies (pyelonephritis, renal, hepatic, heart failure, etc.).

The conducted studies will help the doctor assess the degree of damage, give a prognosis of the disease and make a decision on treatment. Your doctor may give you a choice between surgery and therapeutic method treatment, perhaps, will insist on one of them.

Arthritis in dogs is a chronic disease that destroys the cartilage of the animal. Most often, it appears due to the excess weight of the dogs or injuries to the limbs. It is the diet and lifestyle of the dog that must be monitored first of all in order to protect it from such an ailment.

What is arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints. The disease manifests itself in the form of acute inflammation. At the same time, the tissue of the joints swells, turns red, in the affected area it is felt strong pain. In the lesion, the temperature is constantly elevated.

When the disease appears, it will not be possible to get rid of it. It will only be possible to stop further development, reduce the manifestation of symptoms and restore the mobility of the paws. Complications threaten with amputation, paralysis and death of the animal due to intoxication.

Types of Arthritis in Dogs

Purulent arthritis

It develops due to bacteria entering the joint cavity from other inflamed areas. Often the causative agents are staphylococci and streptococci. Another way for bacteria to enter tissue is through open wounds or a damaged area around the joints. The danger of this type of arthritis is the appearance of fistulas at a late stage of development.

rheumatoid

The nature of development is similar to infectious. In this case, bacteria also enter the body, but in the fight against pathogenic microbes, the body destroys healthy cells. As a result, a process occurs that leads to the destruction of not only cartilage, but also bones.

Osteoarthritis

The disease is preceded by abnormal development of the hip joint or dislocation of the joints. One of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Most often, dogs of large breeds or the elderly are affected by the disease. Sometimes the reason for the development of osteoarthritis is the weak protective functions of the body.

Polyarthritis

Often it is not noticed and does not betray itself by any signs. It happens that an absolutely healthy dog ​​has to be euthanized due to the complete destruction of the joints of the hind legs. It is almost impossible to prevent the development of the disease, since polyarthritis appears in dogs along the genetic line.

Chlamydial

The cause of the disease is the Chlamydia bacteria, which enter the joint and begin to destroy it. In dogs with a strong immune system, the disease develops very slowly. If the body was weakened, the bacterium begins to destroy cartilage at a high speed.

Arthritis Symptoms in Dogs

The most important sign of a dog's disease is a decrease in its physical activity.

Over time, other signs appear:

• the dog is not able to overcome long distances, he lies or sleeps more and more;
• while walking, the animal tries not to step on one of the hind legs;
• if two joints are damaged at once, the dog rarely gets up, if it does move, it does it very slowly and with extreme caution;
• when touching the focus of inflammation, the dog can become aggressive or irritable;
• the animal walks awkwardly, limps, rarely bends its hind limbs;
• runs very slowly or does not run at all, refuses to jump or even climb stairs;
• often the dog refuses to eat;
• the animal gains excess weight due to lack of sufficient physical activity;
• the dog does not feel well when the weather changes (this is especially evident in rainy or windy weather);
• the pet is increasingly lying on only one “healthy” side;
• joints increase in size.

If even one of the described signs appears, consult a specialist for the timely diagnosis of the disease and the initiation of therapy.

Diagnosis of Arthritis in Dogs

Diagnosis requires complex work, which includes several types of examination.

Let's list different kinds diagnostics and their features.

• Check-up at the veterinarian. The doctor asks about complaints about the condition of the dog, then examines the affected paw and assesses the size of the joint, the degree of swelling and temperature. Also, the specialist will assess the tone of the muscles and the condition of the tendons.
• X-ray. It is the main method of diagnosis. The picture is taken of all limbs, even if they are considered healthy. The picture makes it possible to assess the degree of change in the articular tissue, the change in its size and thickness.
• CT scan. It is most often prescribed if other pathological processes in bone tissue or cartilage are observed. It is mandatory to carry out with hip dysplasia to prescribe the correct therapy.
• Laboratory research. Appointed in case of suspected bacterial damage to the joint. For analysis, synovial fluid is taken from the joints.
• Histology and cytology. It is carried out in extremely rare cases, if there is a suspicion of the development of neoplastic cells (meaning atypical, including cancerous, cells that crowd out healthy ones).

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs

As soon as a dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the owner must begin competent therapy to prevent the development of the disease in sharp shape. With a mild stage of the disease, you can start treatment with herbal decoctions (for example, from nettles), as well as applying oil-based compresses.

Balanced diet

This is the next step in relieving the dog's condition. Tomatoes, eggplants, onions, potatoes and grains should be crossed out from the pet's daily menu. Seeds, ginger, egg yolks (quail egg yolks are best), as well as exotic fruits, are well supported by health. Be careful with fruits - they can cause an allergic reaction. When choosing products, watch the reaction of the dog, the main thing is that the animal does not gain weight, which will provoke a load on the cartilaginous tissue.

It is better to exclude all cereals, since they have a high content of carbohydrates. Choose products that do not contain sugar, salt, dyes, and especially chemical impurities. Experts advise against rewarding dogs with treats, as they overload the dog's body.

Give your dog plenty of raw dairy products, including low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt. In a minimum amount, feed the dog meat, especially red. Most of the diet is fruits and vegetables, which give the dog energy, but at the same time, it does not require much effort to digest and is easily absorbed. You can periodically feed your pet with raw bones. If the dog's condition improves, you can give some fresh sweet pepper. But at the same time, carefully monitor the reaction of the animal.

Garlic supports immunity well (give it in the amount of half a clove per 20 kg of live weight). Citrus fruits are banned, especially oranges. Give a small amount of lemon juice.

The most useful vegetables: carrots, celery, broccoli. Of the greens, parsley and cilantro are recommended. Good for the body Apple vinegar(give 0.5 teaspoon per day).

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is great for your dog's health. The most commonly used massage. This procedure helps to improve blood circulation, increase blood flow and remove accumulated toxic substances. Massage well relaxes the muscles, relieves their tone. Please note that with purulent arthritis, any warming up, including ointments, is prohibited. Rubbing is also contraindicated, as they contribute to the outflow of pus into nearby tissues.

Swimming is a great way to strengthen your muscles without stressing your joints. For small dogs, swims can be arranged in the bathroom, and large breeds are taken out to the lake or pond.

All of these procedures are prescribed only by a veterinarian after an internal examination of the animal.

Treatment with drugs

Drug therapy is almost the same for all breeds of dogs. The difference is only in the dosage. To combat the disease, several drugs are used simultaneously to achieve maximum effect and prevent recurrence.

Stop arthritis

This drug is available in a special form intended for the treatment of arthritis in dogs. The drug belongs to the group of chondoprotectors and anti-inflammatory drugs. The active substance acts on cartilage and contributes to its restoration, improvement of depreciation and stimulation of metabolic processes. Along with this, swelling and pain decrease, mobility increases.

It is available in the form of a suspension that can be given with food or separately, instilled directly into the mouth from a syringe or pipette. The frequency of admission is twice a day. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the veterinarian, based on the results of the examination. Usually the course lasts up to 100 days.

If in the first month the pet's condition has improved markedly, the doctor may reduce the dosage by half.

This drug is often used prophylactically after surgery. Usually prescribed monthly medication. The dosage is appointed individually.

Approximate cost - 350 rubles.

Arthroglycan

Refers to chondroprotectors newest generation. Helps with joint problems in cats and dogs. The drug is aimed at restoring joint and bone tissue, normalizing metabolic processes in cells. Saturates cells with minerals, prevents further development of the disease and deterioration of health.

Produced in the form of tablets. The duration of the course of treatment starts from one month. If the arthritis proceeds in a complicated form, then a six-monthly intake of the drug may be prescribed.

The dosage is calculated taking into account the weight of the animal. One tablet goes to 10 kg of dog weight. If the dog weighs more than 40 kg, you should immediately give 4 tablets, regardless of the condition of the pet.

Take the medicine in the morning and evening.

Horsepower

Initially, the drug was intended to treat horses, but over time it began to be used to improve the condition of dogs. The gel warms up the joints, which reduces pain and increases the motor activity of the joints.

It has practically no contraindications, side effects occur in extremely rare cases. All this is possible thanks to the natural ingredients in the composition of the drug. The main components are plant esters, phenoxyethanol, and glycerin.

In addition to warming, the drug has an antibacterial and soothing effect. The gel is applied 1-2 times a day. Method of application - rubbing with massage movements into the affected area.

The duration of therapy depends on the course of the disease. Most often it is one month.

Cost - 900 rubles.

Ketofen

This is an anesthetic that is used to quickly eliminate pain and relieve inflammation. It belongs to the group of strong drugs and can be prescribed only if there are no problems with the excretory system (in particular, the kidneys).

Contraindications for use is also the period of pregnancy and lactation. Tablets are given in an amount of no more than 10 mg per day, the duration of administration is no longer than four days. For special indications, the dosage is reduced to 5 mg.

With a sharp exacerbation of the disease, Ketofen is prescribed in the form of injections. In this case, the dosage is calculated based on the weight of the dogs - 2 mg per kg of weight. Injections are not used for more than three days. You can do one injection per day. If severe pain has passed, it is better to transfer the pet to weaker drugs.

The price starts from 400 rubles.

Rimadil

The drug fights inflammation and pain. Available in the form of tablets and solutions for injection. Veterinarians recommend giving preference to tablets. A liquid solution is used to quickly eliminate pain, after which the dog is transferred to tablet therapy.

The recommended dosage is 3-4 mg of the main component per kg of body weight. The remedy is taken in the morning and evening. When using the drug for more than a week, the dosage is halved. Injections can be done only once a day. The dosage of the injection is 1 ml of the drug per 12.5 kg of the dog's weight. The solution is administered intravenously. Intramuscular administration contraindicated.

Khondartron

Release form - drops for oral administration and solution for injection. The form of admission is determined by the veterinarian after the examination. In addition to the treatment of arthritis, the drug has additional properties - the elimination of weakness in the limbs in older animals.

Injections are administered under the skin or intramuscularly twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. The dosage of the active ingredient is 0.1 ml / kg of weight. The duration of therapy is two weeks.

Drops are used as a preventive measure. The recommended dose is 0.3 ml/kg. Duration of admission - from 10 to 14 days.

Cost - 1000 rubles.

Chondroitin Complex

It is used to treat arthritis in large breed dogs. Available in capsules for internal administration. It has the following effects: stimulates the production of collagen, restores metabolism, including calcium and phosphorus. Additional effects: fight against pain and inflammation.

Chondrolon

It is used to treat dogs weighing more than 30 kg. Also available in ampoules. The amount of the active ingredient in each ampoule is 100 mg. The drug is administered intramuscularly every two days. The recommended course of treatment is 25 injections.

The use of the drug leads to improved mobility, normalization of metabolism and improvement of the bone tissue. The most pronounced signs of the disease disappear after the first two injections.

The price in pharmacies is 1500 rubles.

Rumalon

Helps restore joints, reduce inflammation and pain. A week you can do no more than three injections. In this case, the same period of time is maintained. The dosage of the drug is prescribed based on the weight of the animal and its condition.

The medicine may cause allergies. To avoid this, it is recommended to initially enter a small amount of the drug in order to trace possible side effects.

Approximate price - 2500 rubles.

Folk methods of treatment

Oil compress

To prepare it, two drops of lavender and juniper oils are added to a glass of water. All this is mixed, then a cotton cloth is soaked in the solution and applied to the affected area. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to put also a heating pad. Hold the compress for 10 to 30 minutes. The procedure is carried out for 2-3 weeks.

Decoction of nettle and chamomile

This combination has several effects at the same time: it relieves pain and inflammation, and also soothes irritated muscles and joints.

Take a tablespoon of dried nettle and chamomile in a glass of water. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. After cooling, the liquid is given to the dog 2-3 times a day, 1-2 tablespoons.

The decoction should not be used if the dog is being treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention

To avoid the development of arthrosis in dogs, follow these rules:

1. Walk your dog regularly, but don't overdo it.
2. Prepare a soft and warm place for your pet to sleep.
3. Stick to the recommended diet.
4. If you are prone to arthritis, give your dog food containing chondroprotectors.
5. Get regular preventive massage.
6. Treat all diseases in a timely manner, especially infectious ones.
7. Visit your veterinarian regularly for routine checkups.

Arthritis is a disease that can attack your pet. To avoid this, constantly monitor the health of the pet, work on strengthening its immunity, and at the first suspicion, immediately contact a specialist.

Source prosobak.net

The dog's joints hurt, what and how to treat? Quite often, this question is asked by many pet owners, since joint pain is a common excruciating manifestation. various diseases musculoskeletal system of dogs. In order for the treatment to be much easier and more effective, it is very important to detect joint disease at an early stage of development and correctly determine the cause of its occurrence. Therefore, having noticed the first signs of deviations in the well-being of your pet, you should contact your veterinarian. The specialist will establish an accurate diagnosis and answer the question of how and how to treat this unpleasant disease.

Causes of pain

There are many causes of joint pain. As a rule, they can be associated with wear and tear of cartilage tissue, or with the progression of inflammatory diseases. The most common joint diseases in dogs are:

1. Osteoarthritis is a severe and intractable chronic joint disease caused by wear of intra-articular cartilage. Over time, in addition to cartilage, other components of the joint undergo changes. Quite often, arthrosis occurs due to the aging of cartilage tissue cells. The disease develops slowly and clear signs may go unnoticed for a long time. The cause of this disease can be injuries of a different nature, excessive loads, a large weight of the dog and others.
2. Arthritis can be one of the causes of joint pain. It is an inflammatory disease of cartilage and joints. The course of this pathology can be acute and chronic. Not only older dogs are susceptible to arthritis, this pathology can also develop in the body of a young individual. There are several varieties of this disease, depending on the cause of their development, the age of the dog and the degree of involvement in the inflammatory process of the elements that form the joint. The main factors contributing to the onset of arthritis are: injuries of various origins, physical overload of the joint, genetic predisposition, the consequences of complex infections, a functional failure of the immune system, and others.
3. Common diseases of the joints include osteochondrosis, which manifests itself in the ossification of cartilage with subsequent destruction of the joint. Osteochondrosis affects dogs regardless of age and breed, but large dogs or obese dogs are more susceptible to this disease. Nutrition and genetics play a significant role in the development of this pathology.

Characteristic symptoms

Quite often, the first symptoms of joint disease are so mild that even the most attentive owners may not notice them in a pet. They increase gradually and become more visible.

The main symptoms of joint damage in dogs are:

• refusal to walk, play;
• lethargy;
• unsteadiness of gait;
• step shortening;
• lameness provoked by pain;
• whining when lifting and starting to move;
• squeals when touching the sore joint;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss.

There are characteristic differences for each of the diseases. For example, with arthritis, there may be an increase in body temperature, swelling, visible articular deformities.

As a rule, all symptoms are aggravated in cold, damp weather.

Medical treatment

Drug treatment of joints in pets should be started only after the cause of pain has been determined. In no case should you use the drugs yourself without consulting a veterinarian, since the choice of drugs and their dosage are selected exclusively individually. Incorrectly selected treatment can lead to sad consequences.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce pain. The most popular drug in this group are Rimadyl. It is available in the form of tablets and injections. The drug has analgesic and antipyretic properties. Active substance drug - a strong analgesic carprofen, able to eliminate pain in an animal for a long time (10-12 hours). Rimadyl is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating dogs, as well as those with individual intolerance to carprofen. With extreme caution, the drug is administered to animals with chronic diseases cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys.

An equally popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is Meloxidil. Produced in the form of a suspension. The drug can be used not only orally, but also mixed with food. A significant advantage of Meloxidil is that it has a minimum of side effects and is easy to use. Contraindicated in animals with high sensitivity to the main component of the drug meloxicam. Forbidden to dogs with diseases digestive system, renal and hepatic insufficiency.

Quite effectively reduce inflammation and significantly improve the condition of your beloved pet hormonal drugs (corticosteroids). The most commonly used in veterinary medicine are Prednisolone and Hydrocortisone. Corticosteroids have a suppressive effect on the immune system, blocking the production of substances that cause inflammatory responses.

Chondroprotectors are one of the key veterinary drugs to combat joint damage in dogs. Thanks to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates medicines slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its restoration. Also, the composition of the preparations includes vitamins, minerals, which favorably affect the musculoskeletal system of the animal. These funds include: Katrofen, Stride, Arthroplex, Chondroitin, Teraflex, Stopartrit and others.

In the treatment of joint diseases, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, such as: Amoxicillin, Lincomycin, Cephalexin, Gentamicin and others.

Diet and physiotherapy

To more effectively treat any joint disease in dogs, a special diet is prescribed. The diet should not contain dry food containing a large amount of carbohydrates and starch. It is also necessary to exclude cereals and potatoes from the diet, since such products can provoke an exacerbation of an existing disease. It is important to diversify the dog's menu with cartilage, herbs and oily fish. Do not feed a sick animal with fatty meats, which include pork. It is better to give preference to beef and poultry.

In the fight against this disease, physiotherapy is widely used. For example, massage improves blood circulation in the affected limb, reduces pain, relaxes muscles, promotes the resorption of exudate in the joints.

Heating is used to stimulate regenerative processes in cartilage tissue. This procedure has a beneficial effect on the ligaments of the joints, thereby increasing their elasticity and improving mobility.

Source veterinargid.ru

Inflammation of the paw pads in dogs, overweight, injuries, allergic reactions, stress, decreased activity are the causes of ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Inflammation of the joints in dogs is a serious disease that brings discomfort not only to the animal, but also to the owner. Untimely access to a veterinarian and treatment can lead to limb amputation.

Causes

Joint diseases occur regardless of the variety, age, gender. Animals of large massive build are predominantly affected. Such as:

• St. Bernards;
• mastiffs;
• German Shepherds;
• Caucasians;
• Samoyeds;
• alabai.

Varieties of small breeds also have a chance of being affected.

Causes of discomfort can be:

• deep damage; injuries, bruises;
• straight, closed fractures, dislocations, sprains;
• helminth lesions;
• increased physical activity;
• viral and bacterial ailments;
• genetic, breed predisposed disorders;
• improper formation and development;
• congenital pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• decreased immunity;
• violations of the formation of hormones, the work of the pancreas;
• metabolic disorders;
• prolonged hypothermia;
• unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals;
• autoimmune anomalies;
• cartilage damage;
• infectious disorders;
• hip dysplasia;
• acquired, congenital dysfunctions of muscles, tendons.

Sometimes pathologies are caused by the negligence of the owners, improper care of pets. Proper Development and the state of health depends on a balanced diet, timely vaccination, active physical activity that does not overload the dogs.

Symptoms

Lameness is the first sign of malaise, which should alert the owner and take the animal to the doctor to determine the classification of the damage. If a dog's paws rot, what is this disease? Varieties:

1. Abscess arthritis. The causative agents are staphylococcal, streptococcal microorganisms, infectious infections penetrate the compound through lesions, injuries, blood, operations. The symptoms are:

• increase in the size of the joint;
• lameness;
• refusal to go for a walk;
• rapid breathing, palpitations;
• strong pain;
• increase in body temperature;
• purulent exudate from a wound.

1. synovitis. Acute and chronic course of malaise is characterized by the release of serous, fibrous, mixed type into the cavity. The defeat of the synovial capsule proceeds in a chronic, aseptic form. The signs are:

• apathy;
• decrease in activity;
• the temperature may rise;
• tachycardia;
• pain on palpation;
• swelling of tissues, hot to the touch.

1. Chronic osteoarthritis. Most often occurs in pets older than eight years. At the beginning, the disorder is asymptomatic, without expressing signs. It is characterized by damage to the knee, hip ligaments on the hind legs. Manifestations:

• lameness;
• bones near thickened.

1. Bursitis. Infection of the synovial sac, a cavity filled with fluid appears, covering the organ. The signs are:

• redness in the area of ​​swelling;
• soreness;
• hyperthermia;
• loss of appetite;
• apathy, depression.

1. Arthrosis. Chronic ailment of a non-inflammatory nature, produced in the form of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous tissue and connecting bones, passing through reactive-reparative transformations, leading to deformation. Infect hip, shoulder, scapular, carpal, knee and elbow. Characterized by:

• bone growths;
• weakening of muscle tone;
• soft crunching sounds;
• lameness;
• soreness.

1. Dislocation. The displacement of the articular ends of the bones, their contact is completely or partially disturbed. There are congenital, pathological, traumatic, habitual. Signs:

• unnatural position of the foot;
• change in external form;
• soreness;
• movement restriction.

Dysplasia of the hip joints. Genetic predisposition of underdevelopment of the acetabulum, leading to severe dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.

During the illness, it is difficult for the animal to rise, the limbs tremble, the gait is unsteady, the hind legs are x-shaped. Predominantly frequent disease among puppies of large breeds.

Hemarthrosis. Bleeding into the joint occurs due to bruises, stretching of the capsule, intra-articular fractures, dislocations. The contours are smoothed, severe lameness, fever, irregular heartbeat, breathing.

Distortion. Tension or incomplete disruption of the fibrous layer of the capsule. There is a hemorrhage, a rupture of the meniscus, a tissue site. The symptoms are:

1. lameness;
2. soreness;
3. temperature increase.
4. Osteochondrosis. Cartilage disease, lack of circulation, destruction of the joint area, tissue flaking.

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. A consequence of local vascular disorders, resulting from the influence of congenital factors.

Treatment

Each individual ailment requires its own specific therapy. Which is aimed primarily at removing and treating inflammatory processes in the paws of the animal.

First you need to make a diagnosis and determine the severity of the lesion. The survey consists of:

• x-ray;
• magnetic resonance or computed tomography;
• a general and detailed blood test, allows you to determine the pathogen, the functions of the liver, pancreas;
• electrocardiogram.

General measures for the treatment of paw lesions:

1. The use of medicines to eliminate the cause, the pathogen. Penicillin antibiotics are used. Such as:

• Tsiprovet;
• Amoxicillin;
• Marfloxacin;
• Baytril;
• Ceftriaxone.

1. Containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Reduce symptoms by helping and bonding cartilage, joints, and restoring synovial fluid. Oral is most effective between meals.

If there are no visible results after consumption for several weeks, a change in manufacturer is required.

Injections are considered a more effective method. You need to start with large dosages, and then reduce to determine what is needed for the pet. Preparations:

For best performance, it must be used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid. Medicines:

• Khionat;
• Bonharen.

1. Removing infection. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs helps relieve pain, lower the temperature, and remove swelling. Such as;

• Paracetamol;
• Metacam;
• Rimadyl;
• Onsior.

1. Painkillers. They will help relieve symptoms and alleviate the condition of a four-legged friend. Preparations:

• Ketoprofen;
• Yumax.

Use with caution, lead to bleeding.

1. Hormonal. They have an anti-inflammatory effect. Tools used:

• Prednisolone;
• Hydrocortisone;
• Dexamethasone.

They are characterized by anti-allergic, anti-puffiness action.

1. Warming gels, ointments. Apply special warming agents for horses.
2. Physiotherapy. Use heating, massages, electrophoresis. Improves blood circulation, relaxes muscle tone, eliminates toxins from the body. Swimming weakens and calms the four-legged friend.
3. Surgical intervention. It is used as a last resort, when the abscess is strongly developed and drug therapy does not help.

home therapy

Home treatment is:

1. Diet food. A balanced diet containing vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins in sufficient quantities helps the animal to be in a healthy shape, to reduce weight. As a result, the load on the paws is reduced, and the causes of inflammation of the surrounding tissues are also eliminated.
2. Moderate exercise. Regular walks provide proper blood circulation, ensure fluid circulation, maintain muscle strength and tone. Prevents the formation of hardening and stiffness of cartilaginous tissues.
3. Heat treatment. The place where the pet is located should be warm. Cover with a blanket while sleeping. Create comfortable conditions for the life of a four-legged friend. Can be used folk methods warming up. Salt, wheat grains.
4. Give pills on time, as well as a medicine that relieves pain. Treat sore paws and fingers, do massages.
5. Visit your veterinarian regularly to check for inflammation control.

All treatment measures should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, it is not recommended to change the dosage of drugs.

Prevention

To avoid limb problems, preventive measures should begin with early age. They consist in:

1. Monitor your pet's diet.
2. Give vitamins and minerals regularly. Breeds that are genetically prone to disruption of ligaments and cartilage tissue periodically use rheumatoid drugs, chondroitins.
3. Active physical activity helps keep muscles in good shape, improves blood circulation, improves immunity, and reduces the risk of obesity.
4. Regularly visit the veterinary clinic for preventive examination and timely vaccination.
5. Avoid hypothermia, stressful situations, try to avoid injuries.
6. Constantly disinfect and deworm.

Dogs are not only the most devoted and loyal creatures, but often the most positive and agile. But what if the pathological condition of the joints limits their activity, causes pain and discomfort? This happens if arthritis develops in dogs - inflammation in the joint tissue, due to which the limbs cannot fully move. How can you help your pet, and what does veterinary medicine offer to treat pathology?

More recently, experts did not even suspect that arthritis affects not only the joints of people, but also of pets. And the signs of a pathological disorder in the animal were associated with age-related changes. Therefore, the disease that occurs in dogs is not as well understood.

There is a conditional division of arthritis into the following types:

1. Genetic - is detected in representatives of decorative, obtained by selection, breeds, they initially have a mutation of cartilage tissue.
2. Purulent - develops when a focus of inflammation occurs in the tissues surrounding the joint - due to injuries, infection with bacteria, etc.
3. Traumatic - the reasons for its development may be a blow or stretching of the muscles and ligaments that are located around the joint. A cavity appears between the muscle and bone tissue, into which blood and fluids enter - swelling, hematoma appears. If the pathology is temporary and curable, then arthritis is called functional.
4. Rheumatoid - develops when the body is infected with bacteria that have a certain "similarity" with bone and cartilage cells. The immune system begins to attack the body in order to eliminate the "enemy". The rheumatoid form of the disease is classified as an autoimmune pathology that is very difficult to diagnose and treat.
5. Metabolic (dystrophic) - develops against the background of disturbed metabolic processes, which also affect the process of cartilage renewal, which leads to their thinning. More often, this disease occurs in fast-growing puppies and dogs with a large body weight.

A provocative factor can be called a slippery floor covering, on which the dog can slip, get bruised and sprained. In the house where the dog lives, it is better not to cover the floor with smooth linoleum, tiles or parquet.

arthritis symptoms

Arthritis is accompanied by a complex of symptoms, some of which are hard to miss:

• inflamed joints increase in volume (this is especially noticeable on large joints of the limbs);
• a joint affected by arthritis loses mobility, it decreases due to swelling;
• soreness - even a slight movement causes severe, unbearable pain in the dog;
• the dog rests most of the time, lying on the healthy “side” of the body; if the inflammatory process is bilateral, then he can choose to rest in an unnatural position that does not cause pain;
• decrease in activity - the pet reluctantly responds to the call to take a walk, may completely refuse to play, has difficulty going down or up stairs; cannot climb onto a favorite sofa, etc .;
• weight gain - the dog is getting fat, but at the same time eating less than usual; this is due to low mobility and activity.

The changed behavior of a pet should alert you - after all, dogs often endure pain, and only accompanying signs give out that something is wrong with their health.

First aid

In some diseases, it turns out that care and proper care is more important than taking medications. And arthritis belongs to this category of diseases:

• the owner must provide the pet with the most comfortable conditions in order to exclude factors that can cause an exacerbation of painful symptoms;
• you should properly equip the place of the dog - lay a soft mattress or pillow, a filler that can take the shape of the body is ideal; you will also need a heating pad or a heated blanket;
• if the house has a slippery floor, then it is better to cover it with carpet or some other covering;
• sunbathing is useful for a pet, but in order to reduce the load, walking time should be reduced; it is also worth protecting it from fellows who want to play and frolic;
• if the dog is being trained, then classes in the group should be temporarily abandoned, the same applies to additional courses; but when undergoing general training that ensures obedience and socialization of the dog, it should not be stopped, even in the presence of chronic diseases;
• it is worth considering the risks of gaining excess weight - when the physical activity of the animal decreases, it can be transferred to a light diet;
• a dog suffering from arthritis is additionally given vitamin and calcium supplements;
• water procedures have an excellent effect - they strengthen muscle tissue relieve pain and discomfort;
• massage - if you stroke the pet's paws in a circular motion - from the bottom up, you can improve blood flow, "warm up" the muscles, reduce pain; for the procedure, you can use a warming agent - you can buy it at a veterinary pharmacy;
• an important aspect is regular visits to the veterinarian - at least once every 5-6 months, this will allow timely detection of changes and adjustment of therapy.

Experts warn that warming up inflamed areas with purulent inflammation is contraindicated. If there is a suspicion of suppuration, it is better to consult a veterinarian. The help of the owner in the treatment of arthritis is invaluable, but only if he does everything correctly, according to the prescribed treatment regimen.

Treatment

As soon as the dog becomes lethargic, begins to limp and behaves not as usual, it should be taken to a veterinary clinic or call a specialist at home. Often the disease manifests itself in such a way that it is difficult to determine which joint is inflamed, one or more limbs are affected.

To diagnose the pathology, the veterinarian asks the owner to perform several exercises with the pet, after which he feels the joints in order to detect inflammation. A painful reaction to touch confirms that a pathological process is taking place in this joint.

Later, the dog is given an x-ray of the extremities and appropriate therapy is prescribed. In some cases, a laboratory study of the fluid that has accumulated in the affected joint is recommended.

When choosing a treatment, first of all, the cause of the development of arthritis, the severity of the condition and the form of the pathology are taken into account. The basis of therapy is the use of medications from the following groups:

• painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (Metacam, Rimadil, Onsior) - reduce pain and prevent the spread of inflammation; if there are no such drugs at hand, you can give your pet acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), but this medicine is not suitable for long-term therapy;
• chondroprotectors (products containing glucosamine and chondroitin) - restore depleted, thinned cartilage tissue, strengthen it and protect against infection; they must be given to the dog for a long time - up to six months;
• antibiotics - recommended if the inflammation is caused by pathogenic bacterial pathogens.

In addition, the specialist prescribes a number of exercises that should be performed with the pet. They contribute to a speedy recovery and faster rehabilitation of the patient. If during classes there are signs of pain and discomfort, then they should be stopped immediately.

Therapy should be gentle, as excessive intensity can provoke the progression of the disease. With severe inflammation, experts advise visiting the pool with the dog. This will strengthen the muscles, without much effort on the part of the sick animal.

A course of massage and a number of physiotherapy procedures are also prescribed - electrical stimulation, thermotherapy, which help to improve the condition of the affected joints. When prescribing treatment, the veterinarian warns that in certain situations it will be necessary to undergo not one, but several therapeutic courses. In addition, it will be necessary to periodically appear for preventive examinations.

Some clinics practice stem cell therapy. This is an innovative method of treating arthritis, during which adipose tissue is taken from a dog and stem cells are isolated from it - the procedure is performed under anesthesia. Then the resulting material is injected into the joint. The event allows not only to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also to restore damaged tissues.

If a patient presents with severe arthritis, often due to severe trauma, torn ligaments, or fractures, surgery may be required.

Arthritis, without timely treatment, can literally immobilize an animal, deprive it of a full life. Therefore, it is important to treat this pathology on initial stages without waiting for complications.

joint disease in dogs unpleasant and brings a lot of discomfort and problems to the dog and the owner. However, it is worth understanding what kind of disease your beloved pet has and what should be done. For example, there are two types of joint diseases: arthritis And . They have something in common, but the two should not be confused. If we are talking about arthritis, then these are highly noticeable symptoms in the paws of dogs: swelling, crunching when moving, injuries and noticeable bruises, heat body. The disease is treated quite simply and veterinarians deal with it on an ongoing basis, especially in dogs of middle and closer to old age.

Osteoarthritis in dogs is an advanced stage of arthritis. It develops if you do not take measures in relation to arthritis and develops in even older dogs.

In this article, we will look at osteoarthritis in dogs, the symptoms, treatment, and methods for preventing the disease. Dog owners need to know this information in order to detect the disease at an early stage and take action with the help of our veterinarians. The doctors of our veterinary center are ready to leave at any time of the day, determine the diagnosis and take action.

Osteoarthritis in dogs: what is it, what are the symptoms and treatment?

Under the influence of the disease, the cartilage of the joints is gradually destroyed, which means that the open areas of the bone begin to appear and come out. Joint cartilage begins to break down due to a violation of the functions of tissues, the main of which is to prevent contact with each other and ensure free movement during movement. Because of this, open areas of the bone begin to appear, they collide with each other more and more often and deform. Cracks and dents form. Because of this, the shape of the cavity at the joint changes, which means that various tissues and ligaments may grow together incorrectly, this causes discomfort and pain, otherwise this is called deforming arthritis.

With osteoarthritis, the dog's metabolism begins to be disturbed, various exchanges in the body, and also appear incurable diseases joints and their deformity.

Osteoarthritis in dogs can be caused two main causes and factors: advanced arthritis or hip dysplasia. Pathology disrupts the growth and development of joints. They begin to grow together incorrectly, which is why the pet feels discomfort.

Arthrosis due to dysplasia both sexes of dogs are affected, and the size of the dog is also not affected. If we single out the breeds that get sick most often, then these are: labrador, mastiff, collie, German shepherds, shiba inu, as well as pugs, chihuahuas and some other species.

Arthrosis in dogs: types of disease

In total, the disease and its stages can be divided into two main types: primary and secondary.

1 Primary arthrosis is inextricably linked with the age of the dog. It is logical that the older the dog is, the higher the likelihood of getting arthrosis. This happens due to a violation of the movement of blood in the body, immunity deteriorates, bones become thinner and wear out faster, as well as a lack of calcium and poor tissue regeneration. Trauma or stroke can accelerate the disease and worsen the condition, but age is the most common culprit. 2 Secondary arthrosis develops after the exhaustion of the body from arthritis, which was launched and not treated in any way. Again, these are calcium reductions in the bones, erosion, weak cartilage, etc.

The disease can develop in any joint of the dog, it’s just that at one moment an outgrowth forms on the cartilage, which destroys the cartilage of the bone, disrupts the usual normal work. When moving, the animal feels pain and discomfort, but outwardly no bruises or inflammation are observed.

There are four types of disease:

1 Arthrosis of the knees- it is obvious that with arthrosis of the knees, the animal is lame, can jump on three legs, does not want to run and jump, apathy for outdoor walks often appears. 2 shoulder arthrosis- the course of steps is reduced and reduced, sometimes the animal can continue to shift while standing still. It is difficult for the dog to get up and climb steep slopes and stairs. 3 Arthrosis of the hind legs- it is difficult for the animal to climb steep slopes, it rises more slowly after lying down, especially after sleeping. The paws can sag under the dog. 4 Osteoarthritis of the pelvis- often the dog has difficulty walking after sleep and may drag its paws along until it can step on them. Thus, it relieves the load from the diseased hip joint.

Arthrosis in dogs: causes

The disease strikes the animal quickly, but develops extremely slowly and gradually, so often the symptoms are not visible for a very long time. Or they can appear only from time to time and it is very difficult to pay attention to this. Because of this, the dog falls into the hands of an experienced veterinarian already in an advanced form of arthrosis, when it is especially difficult to treat him and there is no 100% guarantee for a full recovery.

Knowing the causes of the disease, you can regularly examine the dog and compare them with reality. However it is not recommended to deal with the plumage of the diagnosis on your own, it is much better to have a veterinarian who has experienced the disease and knows how to treat it and alleviate the suffering of the dog. Causes of osteoarthritis in dogs:

1 Age - due to metabolic disorders, the development of the disease occurs. If the pet experienced stress during its life, then upon reaching the age of 5-8 years (depending on the breed), physical activity should be reduced, the dog should be left alone. Otherwise, the body simply will not be able to recover and regenerate tissues at the required speed. 2 Metabolic disorders are not due to age - minerals and vitamins play an important role in the development of the animal, so the complex of these trace elements must be verified in the right proportions by the doctor in order to fully provide the body. This is not only vitamins as such, but also the right diet and dog food. You can not feed the animal from the general table on an ongoing basis, as well as give monotonous harmful food. 3 Diseases of bones and tissues - they can be both hereditary and acquired. In such cases, the musculoskeletal system simply “breaks” from the inside, gradually, slowly, but surely. 4 Breed - we have already mentioned dogs that can be more susceptible to illness than others. Each breed has its own joints. For example, in shepherd dogs - a violation in elbow joints paws, mostly hind. It all depends on the characteristics of the weight and size of each breed individually. 5 Injuries and bruises - after a blow to the bone, a crack occurs, which develops later, disrupting the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. 6 Improper maintenance - if you do not walk the dog every day and do not give it room for physical activity and exercise within the normal range, then the disease will develop stronger and faster. If we are talking about huskies, then, for example, they just need to run huge distances every day, while pulling a cart with a rider behind them. This is not a mockery of the dog, but a need, without which it will feel much worse. 7 Excess weight - as with large breeds of dogs, because of the weight of the bones quickly become unusable. Also, these are the very loads that are simply absent, as a result of which the bones become thinner and deteriorate. Because of laziness, lubrication for the joints ceases to be produced, which means they will crumble faster. An absolutely healthy and young dog can develop arthrosis due to obesity.

Arthrosis in dogs: symptoms

Symptoms of the disease can be confused with the symptoms of arthritis. It's the same pain in dogs difficulty in moving, getting up after sleep, crackling inside the joints, limping. If arthrosis is started, then there is a change in the structure of the joint and the surrounding area.

It is possible to identify arthrosis in the early stages of the disease only if the dog is regularly examined by a veterinarian. Otherwise, it is quite difficult to notice deviations. A dog should be examined by a doctor twice as often if it is already in old age.

Total emit three stages of osteoarthritis:

1 At first, only an x-ray and an experienced eye of a veterinarian will help to detect the disease. On x-rays, there are growths and outgrowths along the edge of the joint. 2 If it was not possible to identify this stage, then at the second it will be possible to observe chromate, pain in the joints, a crunch is heard, and also apathy is seen on the part of the animal for walks. 3 At the third stage, the treatment is already difficult because there is a modification of the joints, a complete deformation and a violation of the structure. This can be seen with the naked eye, but if you take a pet's blood for analysis, you will see that carotene, phosphorus and calcium in the body are in a critically low state.

Arthrosis in dogs: treatment

Treat osteoarthritis in dogs should only be seen by a veterinarian. Only he can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe a course of treatment and recovery. It is not always easy to determine the cause of the disease. Dogs that are sick with stage 2-3 arthrosis are often brought to doctors already.. At this stage, it is difficult for the dog to move around, which means that it is better to call the veterinarian at home.

In our center "I-VET" experienced doctors are ready to consult and examine the dog at home. This will reduce stress and anxiety, which can often only hurt.

Often you have to inject the dog with intramuscular medications. Some drugs help to recover bone tissue faster and increase stress. Of course, drugs must be combined with proper nutrition and limited physical activity. As food should be foods that have vitamins and minerals, as well as the right amount of calcium.

If the dog has swelling or swelling, then it is worth rubbing these places with iodine and putting cold compresses with salt, and then warming.

Such treatment will help the dog if she has stage 1 or 2 of the disease. If arthrosis has reached stage 3, then only surgical intervention can help.

Prevention of osteoarthritis in dogs

From the very beginning of owning a dog, you should provide it with preventive measures so that arthrosis bypasses the pet even when it reaches a very old age. After all, the disease is really easier and easier to prevent than to treat, especially when it comes to stage 3 of the disease.

1 you need to walk the dog on a constant basis, regularly. During the walk itself, running, jumping and other activities that help keep the pet in shape are required; 2 you should provide the dog with a cozy and soft place where it can rest and get up comfortably even with sore joints; 3 dog nutrition should include wholesome food, balanced regular meals and clean drinking water. The feed should contain all trace elements and vitamins, especially calcium for bones and muscles. This will help the bones to be strong, not to collapse and not to become thinner; 4 of course, obesity and overweight - big enemy for any living creature, so you should not allow this in your dog. After all, a lot of weight presses on the bones and skeleton of the animal; 5 should avoid injuries and bruises. If they still were, you should immediately call the veterinarian at home, because it is extremely undesirable for the dog to move after the injury.

Arthrosis in dogs - conclusion

A disease of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis in dogs is extremely unpleasant and dangerous for the animal. After all the dog must be active by nature, experiencing physical exertion and moderate stress on the joints and muscles. Without this, a large number of diseases will immediately begin to appear that are difficult to cure, but simply prevent even before they begin.

Remember that if you find the symptoms and signs described in this article, you should contact your veterinarian and call him at home. After all, you don’t know what stage and how sick your pet is, which means that extra movement is fatal for him and will only aggravate the situation. Moreover, the animal may experience stress due to illness and due to a visit to the doctor, which will also aggravate the illness.

Our veterinary center "Ya-VET" has several reference points in Moscow and the Moscow region. Ten highly specialized veterinarians are ready to come to you at any time of the day, seven days a week. And doctors will be able to get there within 40 minutes after the call, simultaneously consulting by phone in order to prepare answers to some questions that help make a diagnosis faster and more accurately. Our veterinarians work according to the European system and love animals!

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