Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory chronic disease of the joints. It is a severe form of arthritis that can deform canine joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is rare in dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment help detect this disease and minimize joint damage.
-
Features
-
RA primarily occurs in small and toy breed dogs from 8 months to 8 years old.
Symptoms
-
The RA dog often has joint pain and lameness. Recurring fever, warm joints and muscle wasting indicate possible RA.
-
Diagnosis
-
Veterinarian examination and laboratory testing diagnose whether RA or another arthritis is affecting the dog.
Treatment
-
Typically the dog is treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs or with prescription medication. Follow-up exams evaluate the medication results.
Prognosis
-
RA is an uncommon disease that has no cure. Its symptoms are treated to improve the canine comfort and mobility. The treatment slows but does not stop canine joint deterioration over time.
-
