How can I Treat my Senior Dog's Arthritis?

According to WebMD, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, affects one in five dogs during their lifetime.

HOW CAN I TREAT MY SENIOR DOG'S ARTHRITIS?

Once you suspect your dog has arthritis is to take him in for a thorough examination by a vet, the first thing you should do. Your vet can talk with you about treatment options and ways to keep your dog feeling his best.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

While you may not notice the signs of canine arthritis in your dog immediately, once you know what to look for you can detect problems. In his article, 5 Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis on Vetstreet.com, Dr. Marty Becker shares ways to determine if you have a dog with arthritis.

Taking a Bite Out of Canine Arthritis Thinkstock

Most dogs diagnosed with arthritis are senior or older dogs. Arthritis, however, can occur at any age.

Remember to always talk with your vet before giving your dog any new medications or supplements.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight-- "Arthritis can be one of the first symptoms of a dog carrying excess pounds, with the joints becoming overstressed in supporting the extra weight," says The Grey Muzzle Organization's handout. Excess weight puts extra strain on ligaments and joints, contributing to arthritis pain in your dog.

Make sure your dog with arthritis gets exercise-- According to Dr. Lorie Huston, a Providence, RI-based veterinarian, "Exercise is important for arthritic dogs but should be low impact to avoid further stress on damaged joints." Dr. Huston recommends leash walking, mild, controlled jogging, swimming or even underwater treadmills as the effective exercise for arthritic dogs.

Try heat therapy, especially in the cold months-- "There are heating pads on the market specifically made for dogs, with pet-friendly fillings and Velcro straps to help the pad stay on a canine hip," says Dr. V in her article How to Help Pets with Arthritis Stay Comfortable In the Winter. "Ask your vet for recommendations so you don't unintentionally cause burns to your pet with a heating source she can't get away from."

While your dog's arthritis diagnosis may bring pain and discomfort, it doesn't mean he has to stop doing all the things he enjoys. With treatment, your senior dog can still live a happy, active and healthy life.

Your dog just seems "off"-- If your older dog doesn't seem like himself, talk with your vet. The cause of your dog's unusual behavior could be arthritis pain or another medical condition.

Your dog isn't eating as much-- One of the most common signs of a dog with arthritis is a decreased appetite. Pets in pain often don't feel like eating.

Your dog can't get comfortable-- If your dog shifts around a lot and doesn't seem to be able to get in a comfy position, he may be suffering from canine arthritis.

Your dog seems to have difficulty moving well-- Dogs who limp, seem or tremble to move slowly when they first get up might be experiencing stiff joints and arthritis pain.

Your dog cries out-- This is an obvious sign of discomfort. Your dog could be suffering from arthritis if he cries out or whimpers when moving around or when you pet him.

Schedule an appointment with your vet right away to determine if your dog has arthritis if you witness any of these symptoms. Learn more about diagnosing canine arthritis.

Via: Petfinder

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Dog Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

Dog arthritis also called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is when a dog's joints have become inflamed and it's a condition that can be quite painful. When a dog becomes afflicted with arthritis, the smooth cartilage that covers their joints starts to break down, exposing the bones and increasing wear and tear on them.

Causes of Dog Arthritis

Because there are so many things that can cause it, dog arthritis is one of the most common afflictions a dog can suffer from and that's partly. Some of the most common causes of dog arthritis are:

• Joint infections
• Dislocation of the joints
• Trauma to the joint or bones
• Some conditions that are inherited, such as hip dysplasia
• Problems with the dog's immune system
• Injury to the ligaments or tendons
• Weight conditions, especially obesity
• Natural erosion of the cartilage due to aging

Larger breeds have more weight to carry around, and because the joints have to support that weight at all times, arthritis is often more common in these dogs and they can even suffer from it at a much younger age. Smaller breeds can also get the condition, especially as they start to get older or if they have inherited the condition from their parents.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Your dog may be suffering from arthritis if you notice any of these symptoms:

Stiff gait Limping or favoring certain limbs

Difficulty standing or sitting up

Limbs that seem lame, or simply can not be used properly

A noticeable swelling of the joints, or stiffness when the dog walks

When the dog is touched in certain areas, painful wimps or cries

Suddenly won't lie or sit in certain positions that they once loved, possibly due to pain in the area

A noticeable loss of flexibility in their joints

Hesitation when jumping, running, or climbing stairs

Diagnosing Arthritis in Dogs

While there is no cure for dog arthritis, there are several treatment options, all of which are non-invasive and very simple. These treatments can make your dog much more comfortable and help further their quality of life.

Taking into consideration the fact that arthritis is often caused by obesity or weight problems, providing your dog with a nutritious and healthy diet, as well as making sure they get lots of exercises is an important element of their treatment program. Make sure that any exercise you provide your dog with is low-impact so it doesn't further aggravate the condition.

Preventing Arthritis in Dogs

There are many medications that can help your dog including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, and natural supplements. Some dog owners don't hesitate to give their dogs human medications, such as Aspirin, to help alleviate the pain of arthritis. Keep in mind, however, that this should never be done unless on the advice of a veterinarian.

While arthritis certainly isn't life-threatening, there are treatment options that can make your dog much more comfortable. The dog's medical history will also be taken into account, especially any trauma to the area that could have caused arthritis.

The only thing dog owners can really do to help prevent the condition is to provide their dog with a good, healthy diet and proper exercise. It's important to remember that in most cases, especially when the condition has been passed down by the parents, preventing arthritis can be nearly impossible to prevent.

Working With Your Dog's Arthritis

The vet will also study this and take it into consideration as well when making a diagnosis if the medical history of the dog's parents is known.

Treating Arthritis in Dogs

While there may be no cure, and medications given for treatment may only relieve the symptoms, there are some things that you can do to make your dog more comfortable. They include:

• Making sure they have soft bedding in the area they sleep so that it's more comfortable for them.
• Playing with them regularly in a gentle way with shorter play sessions.
• Gently massaging them, especially in the area of their arthritis.
• Taking them to physical canine therapy.
• Using a low crate or a raised feeder for their food and water bowls. This will help reduce strain on their spine and neck.
• Bathe and brush the areas of their body that their arthritis might make difficult for them to reach.
• Have a dog ramp installed in places where they need to climb, such as at the foot of the bed, or to get into the car.

Watching a dog struggle with their arthritis can be heartbreaking, but there are things you can do to help. Make sure that you take them to a vet at the first signs of the condition, as there are many treatment options for dog arthritis, as well as simple things you can do to make them more comfortable.

Some dog owners don't hesitate to give their dogs human medications, such as Aspirin, to help alleviate the pain of arthritis. The only thing dog owners can really do to help prevent the condition is to provide their dog with a good, healthy diet and proper exercise.

If you think that your dog might be suffering from arthritis, it's important that you get them to a vet as soon as possible. While arthritis certainly isn't life-threatening, there are treatment options that can make your dog much more comfortable. The dog's medical history will also be taken into account, especially any trauma to the area that could have caused arthritis.

Via:much.zone

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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs, diagnoses, causes and treatment

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs is a disease of the hip in which the ball and socket joint is malformed. This malformation means that the ball portion and its socket don't properly meet one another, resulting in a joint that rubs and grinds instead of sliding smoothly.

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia often begins while a dog is physically immature and still young. Early onset usually develops after four months of age. There are also cases of later onset, where hip dysplasia develops later due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation (arthritis) that is characterized by chronic deterioration, or degeneration of the joint cartilage.

The hip joint is composed of the socket and the ball. The development of hip dysplasia is determined by an interaction of environmental and genetic factors, though there is a complicated pattern of inheritance for this disorder, with multiple genes involved. Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally (known as malformation), gradually leading and deteriorating to loss of function of the hip joints.

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. Gender does not seem to be a factor, but some breeds are more likely to have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia than other breeds.

Types and symptoms

Symptoms depend on the degree of joint looseness or laxity, the degree of joint inflammation, and the duration of the disease.

• Early disease: signs are related to joint looseness or laxity
• Later disease: signs are related to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis
• Decreased activity
• Difficulty rising
• Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs

If your dog has been effectively diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it should not be bred out, and the dam and sire (the parents) of your pet should not be bred again since this condition is often acquired genetically. Special diets designed for rapidly-growing large-breed dogs may decrease the severity of hip dysplasia.

The juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery is performed on dogs that are younger than six months, fusing part of the pelvis together to improve hip joint stability. Most dogs will handle this type of surgery, with acceptable hip function after the recovery period. In this surgery the ball of the hip joint is removed, leaving muscles to act as the joint.

Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally (known as malformation), gradually leading and deteriorating to loss of function of the hip joints.

Diagnosis.

X-rays are crucial for visualizing the signs of hip dysplasia. Some of the possible findings may be a degenerative disease of the spinal cord, lumbar vertebral instability, bilateral stifle disease and other bone diseases.

• Genetic susceptibility for hip looseness or laxity.
• Rapid weight gain and obesity.
• Nutritional factors.
• Pelvic-muscle mass.
• Pain in hip joints.

Treatment.

The juvenile diagnosed with hip dysplasia is performed on dogs that are younger than six months, fusing part of the pelvis together to improve hip joint stability. In this surgery the ball of the hip joint is removed, leaving muscles to act as the joint. If your dog is being treated as an outpatient only, the x-rays may indicate the rate of deterioration in the hip joint.

Causes.

Living and Management.

Joint looseness or laxity-- characteristic of early disease; may not be seen in long-term hip dysplasia due to arthritic changes in the hip joint.

Grating detected with joint movement Decreased range of motion in the hip joints.

Loss of muscle mass in thigh muscles Enlargement of shoulder muscles due to more weight being exerted on front legs as the dog tries to avoid weight on its hips, leading to extra work for the shoulder muscles and subsequent enlargement of these muscles.

Your dog may be treated for hip dysplasia on an outpatient basis as long as it does not require surgery. The decision for whether your dog will undergo surgery will depend on your dog's size, age, and intended function (i.e., whether your dog is a working dog, as many large breeds tend to be).

Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation, along with pain medications for lessening the severity of the pain.

Persistent or intermittent hind-limb lameness, often worse after exercise

" Bunny-hopping," or swaying gait Narrow stance in the hind limbs (back legs unnaturally close together).

Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor any changes in your dog's hip dysplasia. If your dog is being treated as an outpatient only, the x-rays may indicate the rate of deterioration in the hip joint.

Influences on the development and progression of hip dysplasia are concurrent with both environmental and genetic factors:.

Inflammation due to joint disease may be noted in the complete blood count. As part of surveying the physical symptoms and fluid work-ups, your veterinarian will also need a thorough history of your dog's health, the onset of symptoms, and any possible incidents or injuries that may have contributed to your dog's symptoms.

Weight control is an important aspect of recovery and is recommended to decrease the pressure applied to the painful joint as the dog moves. You and your veterinarian will need to work together to minimize any weight gain associated with reduced exercise during recovery. Special diets designed for rapidly growing large-breed dogs may decrease the severity of hip dysplasia.

There are also cases of later onset, where hip dysplasia develops later due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation (arthritis) that is characterized by chronic deterioration, or degeneration of the joint cartilage.

Via: Petmd

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Chondroitin Sulfate as Anti-Inflammatory

Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by focal areas of loss of articular cartilage, with varying degrees of osteophyte formation, subchondral bone change, and synovitis1. 

The pathophysiology of osteoarthrosis remains controversial. It has been proposed that continuous use of the joint implies multiple microtraumas to the articular cartilage and formation of fibronectin and extracellular matrix fragments (EMFs).

   

Summary

Osteoarthritis is primarily characterized by areas of destruction of articular cartilage and by synovitis. Articular damage and synovitis are secondary to a local increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1b and tumor necrosis factor-a), enzymes with proteolytic activity (matrix.

metalloproteinases), and enzymes with pro-inflammatory activity (cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase-2). Enhanced expression of these proteins in chondrocytes and in synovial membrane appears associated to the activation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factorkB ( NF-kB). 

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) prevents joint space narrowing and reduces joint swelling and effusion. To produce these effects, CS elicits an anti-inflammatory effect at the chondral and synovial levels. 

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and its disaccharides reduce NF-kB nuclear translocation, probably by diminishing extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2, p38mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation. 

This review discusses the evidence supporting that CS pleiotropic effects in synoviocytes and chondrocytes are primarily due to a common mechanism, e.g., the inhibition of NF-kB nuclear translocationª 2008 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fibronectin fragments (FN-f) contribute to cartilage destruction 2 by binding to a5b1 integrin receptor of the chondrocyte with the subsequent activation of protein kinase C (PKC), proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2, extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), p38mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), that trigger the nuclear translocation of activated protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), and enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-3 and MMP-133.

Synovitis is reflected by several of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as swelling and effusion, pain, redness, and stiffness7. In patients with osteoarthritis, changes in pain are closely associated with the changes in synovitis but not to cartilage loss9.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) in osteoarthritis, clinical evidence.

On the one hand, the decrease in pain and swelling may be explained by an anti-inflammatory effect of Chondroitin sulfate, probably through diverse mechanisms such as diminishing the expression of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) 17, of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) 18,19. In joints, CS reduces the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a20 and IL-1b21, and joint and systemic concentrations of NO 19,22 and of reactive oxygen species (ROS) 20.

the fact that in chondrocytes, CS diminishes IL-1b-mediated increase in MMP-218, MMP-318, MMP-918,19,21, MMP-1318,19, and MMP-1418. It has been documented that hyaluronan and mixtures of low concentrations of CS and glucosamine are able to prevent the release of MMP-3 and MMP-13 triggered by FN-f23,24. In subchondral bone, CS increases osteoprotegerin (OPG) and reduces the expression of receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), effects that may result in the reduction of the resorptive activity in subchondral bone25.

Effect of Chondroitin Sulfate on articular cartilage, mechanism of action.

The presence of synovitis at early stages of osteoarthritis is associated with a more destructive and rapid progression of the disease7. Independently of the sequence of events in the apparition of osteoarthritis, e.g., cartilage damage or synovitis at the origin of osteoarthritis, cartilage damage and synovitis are present in a great proportion of patients, both contribute to the signs.

Randomized clinical trials have shown that CS reduces pain and improves joint function11e13, reduces joint swelling and effusion14, and prevents joint space narrowing of the knee11,13 and fingers15,16 more effectively than placebo. According to these effects, CS has been classified as a symptomatic slow-acting drug in osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) and a structure/disease modifying anti-osteoarthritis drug (S/DMOAD) 11,15.

The presence of synovitis at early stages of osteoarthritis is associated with a more destructive and rapid progression of the disease7. There is evidence that a subset of patients with osteoarthritic joint disease present synovitis and synovial hyperplasia without cartilage damage and EMFs, suggesting that in some patients, synovitis is a very early or the initial event in the development of osteoarthritis10. Independently of the sequence of events in the apparition of osteoarthritis, e.g., cartilage damage or synovitis at the origin of osteoarthritis, cartilage damage and synovitis are present in a great proportion of patients, both contribute to the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and both should be the target of therapy.

On the other hand, EMFs, IL-1b, and TNF-a released into the synovial fluid will activate macrophages, mastocytes, and synoviocytes in the synovial membrane originating the synovitis. Activation of synovial cells will result in a further release of IL-1b, TNF-a and MMPs that will contribute to the destruction of the cartilage matrix1,4 e6 (Fig. 2).

There is clinical evidence showing that osteoarthritis and synovitis are associated.

ª 2008 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Synovitis is reflected by several of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as swelling and effusion, pain, redness, and stiffness7. In patients with osteoarthritis, changes in pain are closely associated with the changes in synovitis but not to cartilage loss9.

In chondrocytes, increased expression of MMPs is accompanied by an enhanced synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, essentially interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), which will sustain the activation of chondrocytes and moreover, will further promote the formation of MMPs, aggrecanase, reactive oxygen intermediates, nitric oxide, and lipid-derivative inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins; these substances will enhance the catabolic activity of the chondrocytes and cause the destruction of the cartilage matrix.

Keywords: Chondroitin sulfate, Disaccharides, Osteoarthritis, Inflammation, NF-kB, Signal transduction.


Via:Arthritis.org

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What Canine Trainers Listen a Lot

What Canine Trainers Listen a Lot

It does no one any kind of favors if the issue at hand is a dog who goes after your kids, but I am unaware of how the dog relates to them. Just because Little Johnny is supposed to be responsible for the dog, does not mean that the rest of the house gets to treat the dog any way they please. Dogs are a lot of work.

Usually, this question is posed from someone who is exasperated that this whole 'training the dog' thing is taking time away from something they 'd rather be doing. It simply means you may find that the dog just behaves. You got a dog.

Sudden onset bouts of aggressive, or fearful behavior should be a red flag that there could be something much more serious happening inside your dog. If your dog does require medical treatment, this does not automatically mean the unwanted behavior will disappear as the treatment does its job.

The only way I ever accept that as an excuse for not being involved is if you are truly not involved, in any way, with the care or interactions of that dog. Unless your roommates are onboard with following instructions on how to interact with your dog, or you choose to isolate your dog until you are present to supervise, the behaviors most likely will not improve. Dogs do not respond to "just wait 'til your father gets home."

When you use a system that has a reward for doing the right thing, the dog (much like a child) will catch on faster, then if you are only doling out punishments for incorrect behavior. That is not to say you couldn't use something else, like a special toy or game to reward the dog, but it does make it a touch more difficult when you, the Human, are so against giving your dog a piece of food. Use the dog's regular food; just stop giving it to them out of the bowl.

If you want your dog to be gentle and kind to your kids, you must be kind and gentle in your play with him. Teach him to play the way you want him to be around those tiny people, and he will mature into the kind of dog that will be great around children. Young dogs do not make the best decisions sometimes, so as guardians, it is our job to guide them into civil adulthood.

This person won't show up, do some mystifying things to your dog, and voila! For the rest of the dog's life, they are suddenly movie-star brilliant and loyal.

That is not to say you couldn't use something else, like a special toy or game to reward the dog, but it does make it a touch more difficult when you, the Human, are so against giving your dog a piece of food. While this struck me as somewhat normal for a dog to react to a massive change in scenery and smells in this fashion (some dogs just Do Not handle change well), upon more talking and questioning, it turned out that the change in geography had also triggered some pretty significant allergic reactions in this dog. It does no one any kind of favors if the issue at hand is a dog who goes after your kids, but I am unaware of how the dog relates to them. Just because Little Johnny is supposed to be responsible for the dog, does not mean that the rest of the house gets to treat the dog any way they please. Unless your roommates are onboard with following instructions on how to interact with your dog, or you choose to isolate your dog until you are present to supervise, the behaviors most likely will not improve.

While this is probably true, as I ask you about what you are feeding the dog, and if there are any lifestyle changes that have happened recently, please don't discount these questions. The title of Dog Trainer/Behaviorist comes with many subtitles. Getting to the bottom of what may be driving this unwanted and new behavior is my job.

Or are you eager to get through this whole 'puppy' thing so you can get back to your real life? Was getting a dog the right choice for you? I feel the same way when someone signs up for a group class, and they tell me they are there to "get the dog trained" before they go on vacation.

"How long before we can go running together? You are the person I want in my class! You are doing research and asking questions that lead me to believe you are envisioning a future with this dog.

Best to stick to things you know the dog is not going to react to in this fashion. If a training professional asks if there is anything your dog is allergic to, and you are aware of something that she is ... Please be honest. If you are unaware of any allergies, go ahead and tell them that, but it may also be helpful to let them know what kind of foods/treats you normally feed your dog, so they can plan accordingly.

Teaching your young pup, or adopted an older dog, to be away from your side may be simple, or not. The more times you have returned to the screaming dog, the louder he learns to be in order to make you cave in and release them from their solitude. A dog should be a welcome friend and family member, not a ball and chain.

Recently, I was contacted by someone who had just moved across the country with their two dogs. While this struck me as somewhat normal for a dog to react to a massive change in scenery and smells in this fashion (some dogs just Do Not handle change well), upon more talking and questioning, it turned out that the change in geography had also triggered some pretty significant allergic reactions in this dog. Making certain your dog is healthy before addressing any major behavioral crisis is exactly why I believe that any good Teacher will suggest that the animal needs to be on top (or as close to it as possible) physical health, before tackling a behavioral issue of this magnitude.

Via:zenpetsupplies

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