Osteoarthritis in dogs

It is very common for dogs to suffer from osteoarthritis, especially as they get older. We usually notice it by them becoming stiffer, unwilling to run and play, find it harder to jump in and out of the car or simply by a clear limp.

The condition occurs as a result of wear and tear or damage to the joint. It may be due to a congenitally abnormal design or to natural aging. If there is damage to the joint surface, the joint cartilage and joint capsule are damaged and this causes the quality of the synovial fluid to deteriorate. It becomes more watery than viscous and an inflammation is created. As the inflammation progresses, the articular cartilage, which protects the bones in the joint, breaks down and in the worst case can completely disappear so that the bones lie against each other. A destroyed articular cartilage cannot be rebuilt.

How can you avoid osteoarthritis in dogs?

Osteoarthritis is mainly avoided by keeping the dog in good condition and good muscle mass. It is also important that it does not become overweight. Both fitness and weight factors have been shown to play a large role in whether or not a dog will develop osteoarthritis.

There are also indications that joint diseases could be prevented by giving the dog supplements of hyaluronic acid. This ensures that the synovial fluid is viscous and jelly-like. The joint then receives lubrication and shock absorption, which protects the cartilage from degradation. If the supplement also contains glucosamine sulfate, the building blocks of the cartilage are helped to build new cartilage cells at a rate that keeps up with the breakdown.

If a dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, in addition to testing joint supplements, the dog can be helped a lot at home through exercises, massage and stretching.