Symptoms

Arthritis in dogs is caused in most cases by hip dysplasia, which is found quite often in dogs. Hip dysplasia in dogs will bring with it a lot of pain and a mobility that is severely reduced. Its effects are grave enough that the dog is no longer able to enjoy life properly, since the disease has debilitating effects on them. That's why you should take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as you see that there is something wrong with him. The doctor needs to find out what the problem is and treat it as soon as possible, so that the pain is reduced, together with the other symptoms brought on by this illness.

Like with most other diseases, there will be some signs and symptoms that show up when a dog has hip dysplasia. In most cases these symptoms are associated with reduced ability to function and lameness. A rolling, abnormal or waddling gait is a symptom that can be seen in most cases. A dog that has this problem will run unusually, since he will use the back legs at the same time. It's something similar to hopping. Another sign is that the dog will walk with a short stride, something normal in dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia. Also, when these dogs sit up, they will keep the legs closer, in a narrow position, moving the weight of the body from one leg to the other. Staggering and swaying can often be seen in dogs that have hip dysplasia.

Other warnings that you get when a dog begins to suffer from hip dysplasia is the fact that they have issues when they try to lie down or to sit. The same happens when they try to get up. A sad result of this is that the dogs will have problems when defecating or urinating, something even falling over when they try to do it. They will probably avoid going up stairs whenever they can, since it will be difficult for them. Obviously, this also means that they will not be able to exercise properly, especially when it's about jumping or running. If you observe the dog's thighs, you will be able to see muscle wasting. If any of the symptoms I mentioned are familiar because you saw them in your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian, to make sure he doesn't have hip dysplasia.

Treatment

Unfortunately, this disease can't be cured completely, but it can be treated. There are plenty of methods of treatment out there, which will improve the condition of the dog, reducing from the immobility, discomfort and pain that he experiences. What treatment will the dog get depends on how bad is the condition in his case. In some cases, the treatment can consist of surgery, helping the dog lose weight or arthritis medication. In other cases, you might have success with homeopathic and natural remedies.

Usually, the homeopathic and natural remedies will give the dog the extra nutrients that he needs to feel better and fight the hip dysplasia. Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega 3 fatty acids are some examples that will help him deal with hip dysplasia better. You can combine these remedies with others, that will help glucosamine and chondroitin do their job better. Some of these nutrients that help them include vitamin E, vitamin C, manganese or zinc. By combining them, homeopathic remedies can help the dog with the symptoms caused by hip dysplasia. You shouldn't treat the dog yourself. Treatment should be done based on the advice given by the veterinarian.