Our skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilage and ligaments. These organs provide body framework, protect the internal organ and provide a full range of motion. This is the same with dogs. Skeletal system is essential in promoting normal health condition among dogs. When one of these bones or joints is damaged, the dog's normal activity will surely be hindered.

Canine arthritis occurs when there is an inflammation in the joints of a dog. Dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages can develop arthritis though older dogs are more prone to this disease. Canine arthritis is categorized into two; degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones that make up the joint is damaged. Cartilage is damaged when there is a normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joints. Degenerative joint disease is further subdivided into two; primary and secondary. Primary degenerative disease has no known cause. On the other hand, secondary disease can be the result of hip dysplasia, patella luxation (loose kneecap), osteochondritis dissecans, trauma and ruptured cruciate (knee) ligaments.

Inflammatory joint disease is another type of canine arthritis. This type can be caused by either infection or immune0mediated diseases. It usually affects multiple joints and is accompanied by fever, anorexia and all-over stiffness. Inflammatory joint disease is further subdivided into two; infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Infectious disease can be caused be bacteria while immune-mediated disease is caused by weakness in the immune system. Hereditary can also be the cause of this type of arthritis.

Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play are signs of arthritis in Beagles. Gradual limping and swelling around a joint can also be seen. Your dog will also show tenderness when flexing a joint and may hold its breath or stop panting when an affected joint is moved or used. Decrease in appetite is also present in canine arthritis.

Severe arthritis is often times treated with surgical procedures. But mild cases of canine arthritis may not need surgery. Non-surgical treatment includes painkillers, exercise, rest and diet. It is important for dog owners to carefully read the product label of dog foods to check its content. But careful choosing is not enough yet. The amount of food and frequency of feeding should be regulated as well to prevent obesity. Exercise is another important step to prevent obesity in dogs. But Beagles with arthritis should only have limited and gentle exercise. They should also be prohibited from doing strenuous activities.