Canine Degenerative Bone Disease
Dogs, like people, commonly develop degenerative joint disease as they grow older. Also called arthritis, osteoarthritis or degenerative bone disease, this condition causes pain and inflammation that can lead to behavior changes in your dog. Arthritis cannot be cured, but your dog can be made more comfortable.
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Identification
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Degenerative bone disease involves loss of smooth cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in a movable joint. Cartilage does not have nerves, but bones do, and when bones rub against each other, pain and inflammation occurs.
Causes
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Canine arthritis can occur because of normal wear and tear as the dog ages or from abnormal stress or injury. It can also be attributed to a condition such as hip dysplasia, a developmental disorder involving an unstable or loose-fitting joint.
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Symptoms
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If your dog has arthritis, he may limp or walk slowly. These dogs commonly have trouble getting up from lying down and walking up or down stairs. You may notice him losing interesting in playing, and he may whine when getting into a car.
Medication
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Pain relievers such as Rimadyl are effective at treating the symptoms of canine degenerative bone disease. Some veterinarians recommend glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as well.
Surgery
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For dogs with primary arthritis or hip dysplasia, surgery for hip replacement or other joint replacement is becoming more common.
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