Arthritis PETS

Arthritis In Dogs
Our pets, especially older dogs and horses, are commonly affected with arthritis as they are living longer than ever before. Many people with older dogs believe they are getting around more slowly just because of normal old age aches and pains, while most of these dogs, are actually suffering from arthritis and are not being treated. Symptoms of arthritis at first are slight stiffness in the morning, reluctance to walk, and difficulty rising. These symptoms should tell you that your dog is having a problem and a veterinary visit is recommended.
If a veterinary exam determines arthritis is present, we now have excellent medications specifically designed and approved for canine arthritis. Over the counter drugs used for people such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen should not be used in dogs. These drugs can be toxic in dogs depending on the dose.
Exercise such as walking and swimming are good for arthritis as it helps to decrease weight and improve muscle tone. Weight loss is the number one thing you can do to help your pet. At least 50% of the arthritic dogs we see may not need any arthritis pain medication if they would lose their extra weight. A veterinarian supervised weight loss plan can be developed for your pet, as many grocery-store brand foods are simply not low cal enough to be effective. Remember, treatment for joint disease is likely to involve a combination of medications in addition to physical activities.

Dog Arthritis

Arthritis is a major contributor to morbidity, disability, and poor quality of life in New Jersey and throughout the United States. The Arthritis Quality of Life Initiative Act signed by Governor Whitman in 1999 allowed funding to make arthritis a public health priority in the state. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, collaborated to achieve this goal. New Jersey is on the forefront of exploring the prevalence and behavioral risk factors implicated with arthritis on the state level. The information reported here is intended to impart a reference guide and thought provoking groundwork for future research within and among all states and territories of the United States as a foundation for prevention and control programs.
This deasease can affects your pets too.

It is not uncommon for elderly, injured, or handicapped animals to lose the use of their back or front legs. Nerve damage, DM (Degenerative Myelopathy), cancer, arthritis, injury, accident and more can result in this condition. Fortunately, this does not need to be the end of a dog's life. A dog cart or dog wheelchair can offer an animal a wholesome, healthy, quality life.
Common reasons why animals need wheels include: Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), disc disease, cervical disc disease, ruptured discs, dog paralysis, spinal cord injuries, fractured back, neuropathy, arthritis, nerve degeneration, spinal lesion, spondylosis, DM, neuropathy, arthritis, intervertebral, cruciate ligament problems, ACL, wobblers, tumors, cancer, neurological disease, and chronic leg weakness.
Almost any animal can benefit from a cart including dogs, cat, rabbits, ferrets, lemur, pigs, and more. We've seen stories about rats, ducks, horses, and more.... just about anything that you can love.
Different kinds of carts support the back legs, front legs, or all four legs. There are several cart modifications available such as a counterbalanced cart, amputee cart, training wheels and more. One of the primary differences in carts involves the method for securing the cart to the animal, either sling harness or saddle-type support.