05/25/2026
May is ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก! ๐ฆด
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ: ๐ค
Arthritis is a type of joint disease that can be caused by a few different factors including the break down of cartilage, the decreased health of synovial fluid, boney changes and autoimmune disorders. It is often mostly recognized it in older patients - but it can also be seen in younger patients (called juvenile arthritis).
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ฌ๐๐: ๐ฉป
Diagnosis can be determined by a physical exam and confirmed by radiographs. With radiographs, visualization of both soft tissue integrity and boney changes can be used to better diagnose the severity of the arthritis, and help determine the best form of treatment.
๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ: ๐
- Decrease in activity/mobility
- Lameness
- Difficulty getting up from a sit or lay down
- Stiffness
- Pain or tenderness
- Possibly decreased eating
๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: ๐พ
Supplements are always a great place to start, as not all dogs will require medication assistance right away. Depending on the individual and how they process supplementation, oral supplements such as 4Cyte, Glucosamine, Aventi Joint Formula, Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Green Lipped Mussel, and Turmeric can be a great help. Please be advised that it is best to chat with your Veterinarian before adding supplements to your dogs diet as they are given based on the individual, and sometimes do not mix well with other supplements or medications.
๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: ๐
When Arthritis has advanced and further pain control is needed, medications can be prescribed. Some can be given orally, typically once or twice a day, and others can be injected, lasting anywhere from 1-3 months.
๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ: ๐
- If overweight, loosing weight can help reduce strain on joints
- Low impact home exercises can be done to help maintain muscle, in turn supporting the joint
- Swimming
- Surgical procedure(s) based on severity
- Physio
- Laser Therapy
- And more!
