Joint pain in dogs is a common sign of an underlying health problem. If your dog has been acting strangely and you notice that he or she is also limping, then it’s necessary to take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Your vet can perform tests and determine what’s causing the issue so they can treat it accordingly. This article will discuss the most common causes of joint pains in dogs and how one can treat these issues:
Consult Your Vet If You See Any Discomfort in Your Dog
If your dog is experiencing discomfort, it’s essential to visit the vet. The vet can help you figure out what is causing your pet’s pain and prescribe medication that can relieve his or her symptoms. If your dog has arthritis, a vet has several medications like Previcox to help decrease inflammation and ease arthritis pain.
Previcox for dogs is a once-daily chewable tablet that can help manage joint pain in dogs. It’s a single-ingredient medication that works very effectively but is not a cure. Previcox only relieves the symptoms of joint pain, not the underlying cause.
If you aren’t sure what is causing the discomfort, it would also be best to consult your vet as soon as possible since there could be other issues, such as infections or tumors affecting their mobility. Your vet will be able to let you know if it’s something that can be treated at home or if they should see a specialist right away.
Traumatic Injury
Your dog can suffer a traumatic injury similar to yours, such as after falling or being hit by a car. If your dog has been injured, ice his or her joints to reduce swelling and pain. Your vet may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication and rest. If the injury is severe, your vet may recommend surgery to stabilize your dog’s joints until they heal properly.
If your dog has been injured, immediately take him or her to a vet. Injuries can be critical and may require immediate medical attention. Some dog treatments are costly, and surgeries are costlier than that. Due to high inflation in recent times, pet owners are keeping their pet safe from any fatal injuries. According to a survey, 63% of pet owners said that it’s difficult for them to pay surprise vet bills. Therefore it’s necessary for you, as a pet owner, to keep your pet safe from any traumatic injury that can be fatal or requires further medical attention.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common and painful condition for dogs, but it can also be treated. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, which leads to pain and stiffness. The causes of arthritis vary, from simple wear-and-tear to serious health issues like cancer or infections.
Arthritis in dogs happens when cartilage breaks down around the joints due to age or injury, causing the bone to rub against the bone instead of cartilage cushioning the joint. It leads to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in certain areas of your dog’s body, such as the hips or elbows. It’s not just older dogs who suffer from arthritis; even puppies can get it.
The good news is there are many ways you can help manage your dog’s arthritis so they can live a long life with minimal discomfort.
Inflammatory Diseases of the Skin and Joints
Inflammatory diseases of the skin and joints are one of the dogs’ most common causes of joint pain. The most common inflammatory disease is allergic dermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis or eczema. Allergies cause this condition to food and environmental allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, or flea bites.
Infection
Infection is a common cause of joint pain caused by bacteria or viruses. The common signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Infections are treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
If you suspect your dog has an infection as the cause of his joint pain, it’s crucial to ensure he gets prompt veterinary care for this condition before it worsens. Infections are more likely to occur in dogs with suppressed immune systems. For example, if they have been recently vaccinated or have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.
Autoimmune Diseases
You may have noticed that your pup has developed new behaviors and habits as a dog owner. These changes in behavior can be hard to pinpoint, but they’re often signs of something more serious going on inside the body.
In autoimmune diseases, a dog’s immune system attacks healthy cells instead of foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. They’re characterized by inflammation in the joints, skin, kidneys, liver, and other tissues throughout their bodies. Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to know if your pet has an autoimmune disease until after it’s been diagnosed by a veterinarian through blood tests and physical exams. After diagnosing an autoimmune disease in dogs, veterinarians treat them with immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone which suppress their immune systems.
Cancers
Cancer is a disease of the cells. It can affect any part of the body. Cancerous tumors are caused by abnormal cells that grow and multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal cells are not destroyed by the normal process of cell death but continue to grow and spread into surrounding tissues, forming new growths called tumors.
When it comes to joint pains in dogs, cancer is the most common cause, and according to sources, one in every four dogs develops cancer in their lifetime. Cancer can affect the joints, bones, muscles, and tendons. Cancer often causes joint pain that your vet can detect through blood tests and X-rays. When you notice any signs of inflammation or swelling when your dog walks on a damaged limb, there may be something wrong with their body that needs to be diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian with specialized training in this field.
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are developmental diseases of the hip and elbow joints. They affect large breeds more than smaller ones but can occur in any breed. Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia may have an abnormal gait due to stiffness or pain.
Hip dysplasia is common in dogs and affects around 15% of their population, and treatment options depend on the severity of your dog’s condition. Surgical procedures available can help relieve pain and improve mobility if surgery is needed. However, suppose your veterinarian suggests that your pet won’t benefit from surgery. In that case, non-surgical treatments can ease discomfort until it improves naturally over time without surgical intervention.
Most Dogs Suffers Joint Problems
In dogs, joint problems are common and may be related to several factors, including age and breed. While most dogs can suffer from joint pain or arthritis at some point, certain breeds seem more predisposed to developing this condition.
Breeds with long coats like Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are prone to developing hip dysplasia later in life and should be monitored for signs that indicate their hips are becoming arthritic. Other breeds known for having higher rates of arthritis include Dachshunds, Labradors Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Maltese Terriers, and Irish Setters.
If your pet is suffering from discomfort, it’s necessary to consult a veterinarian to get the proper treatment and relief. Likewise, if you notice any signs that might indicate a problem with their joints, don’t hesitate to call a vet.
