Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis
A Painful Disease That Can Affect Dogs Both Young And Old
Canine rheumatoid arthritis is designated as an autoimmune disease - which means that the immune system is not functioning correctly. If you find that your dog is suffering from a great deal of
joint pain, he or she may have rheumatoid arthritis. This inflammatory disease results in the deterioration of joints and bones. Many dog owners don't initially realize that this type of
arthritis differs from osteoarthritis, which is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage.
When a normal dog’s body encounters what it believes is an unwanted foreign substance, there is an immune response referred to as an antigen.
The body produces antibodies, which bind to this antigen. When a dog has rheumatoid arthritis, his or her body believes that the foreign
protein is part of its own body. As a result, the body attacks its own joint tissues and the immune system creates antibodies that fight
its own body. These immune complexes are deposited in the joints and painful inflammation results leading to deterioration of cartilage and bone.
Symptoms/Signs
Dog owners can find the impact of rheumatoid arthritis in their dogs to be quite heartbreaking, as the mobility of the animal can be
severely limited. While some dogs with this disease are still able to walk, others will completely lose their ability to do so. Most
dogs will rheumatoid arthritis will have trouble rising or walking up stairs. Your dog will most likely be less interested in playing or running.
On a day-to-day basis, dogs will experience stiffness, and swollen, painful joints. Dog owners may also find that their dog’s joints
palpitate and are warm to the touch. Other signs of the disease to watch for include loss of appetite and fever. Kidney problems, lymph
nodes and tonsillitis and pneumonia can result from this issue.
If you take your dog to the veterinarian, the disease can be diagnosed with x-rays, which will reveal a loss of bone. Bones almost
look as though holes have been punched in them. There is also a blood test that can tell if the dog has the “rheumatoid factor.’
Causes Of Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unfortunately, the exact causes of this disease are still unknown. Some speculate that the canine distemper virus results in
rheumatoid arthritis. Others believe that canine rheumatoid arthritis is just the result of genetics or inherent immune system problems.
There is a connection, however, with the size and shape of the dog. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in dogs that are small
in size. Therefore, toy breeds are more at risk. It has also been observed that dogs most commonly get this disease when they
are 5-6 years old. Further, overweight dogs are more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis.
Prevention
To prevent canine rheumatoid arthritis, it makes sense to be sure that your dog is getting a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
A proper diet can make a big impact towards keeping your dog free of immune disorders. Also since overweight dogs are most
likely to get this condition, try to monitor your dog’s weight carefully.
Foods enriched with
omega-3 fatty acids like fish and fish oil are extremely beneficial for dogs. These nutrients help dog’s
body with normal processes. Vitamin C can also prevent joint deterioration. Dietary supplements, for example, chondroitin
sulphate and glucosamine suphate, can also fight the weakening in dog’s bones. If you are concerned that your dog might get
canine rheumatoid arthritis, you may want to consider adding daily supplements to his or her food.
Dog Arthritis Treatment
Steroids and NSAIDS (or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly prescribed for canine rheumatoid arthritis. For
example, aspirin is a NSAID that is often administered. Medication can help subside the pain that your dog is experiencing.
However, while these treatments might be helpful in the short run, stomach ulcers and liver and kidney problems can result
after time from persistent use of pain medications.
There are also drugs, like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide, which counteract the dog’s immune reactions. However, when
dogs are on immunosuppressive drugs, a variety of side effects can occur. For example, they can develop infections and have
problems with their bone marrow. While these drugs can help control the body’s immune reactions, they can be too harmful to
dogs in the long-run. These medicines can also cause nauseau, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, some experts believe that
immunosuppressive drugs are not a good idea for dogs with this condition.
Taking your dog to a holistic veterinarian who can provide information about both mainstream and alternative treatments can
be very helful in chooosing the best options for your pet.
Natural Help For Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are also a variety of natural measures that owners can take to release the symptoms and assist with this disease. First of all, it is important that your
dog is getting ample rest. In this regard,
orthopedic beds, which have more support and padding, are a good choice for dogs with RA.
Provide a natural diet that contains all the nutrients to support the immune system and maintain his weight at a healthy level.
Excess weight just adds further stress to already paintul joints.
Regular exercise is actually beneficial to the healing process. If your dog is in pain or overweight, of course, he or she may feel
less like exercising. However, try to make sure that your four-legged friend is getting some gentle exercise every day.
Acupuncture has also been shown to be helpful in treating canine rheumatoid arthritis. This technique has been practiced
for thousands of years and is renowned for its abilities to heal the body and manage pain. This treatment is believed to
allow the dog’s body to create natural painkillers. You may find that this treatment improves your dog’s mobility and his
or her quality of life.
Also on a day-to-day basis, canine rheumatoid arthritis can be helped by various changes that you can make to keep your dog’s life more pleasant. Try to
keep the dog warm, as cold conditions can aggravate the inflammation in your dog’s body. Also
massage and warm baths
can help manage the pain. You can also consider adding items to your home that will make your pet’s life easier, for
example,
pet ramps that allow your pet to transport him or herself without straining.
Recognizing the early warning signs of dog illnesses is very important to finding a cure, managing a disease,
relieving unnecessary pain, and in many cases the returning the pet to good health. I recommend owners obtain a copy of
Veterinary Secrets Revealed, a valuable e-book, written by a qualified vet, contains information about
numerous dog health issues, useful home remedies, plus advice about which dog illnesses need a prompt
consultation with a pet professional.
Related Pages:
Return From Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis, To Dog Health
