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Arthritis is the most commonly diagnosed joint condition in dogs, and yet it is often difficult to effectively manage. Symptoms can range from chronic pain to difficulty walking. Some pet parents believe that this slowing down is normal and simply comes with getting older. Although arthritis cannot be cured, the pain and immobility associated with the condition can be greatly reduced and managed.
A custom physical therapy plan of care for arthritis has been shown to reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease so that your dog can be active and pain-free for years to come.
Why is arthritis so distressing?
In America, arthritis affects as many as one in five dogs, which means that many pets are living with constant pain and severely reduced mobility.
Dogs with arthritis suffer from pain in their joints, which makes movement difficult. Unfortunately, difficulty moving leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, which often leads to weight gain. Increased weight on the joints leads to greater pain and difficulty moving, leading to an even more sedentary lifestyle. Arthritis creates a cycle of pain and injury that worsens over time unless addressed properly.
How do we stop this cycle? MOVEMENT!
What is arthritis?
Like humans, dogs have smooth cartilage that covers the bones within a joint. This
smooth, slick cartilage allows bones to glide easily on top of one another, allowing us to move
our limbs easily. Over the course of a lifetime, joints suffer wear and tear that causes damage to the cartilage. The term used to describe this damage is arthritis.
Canine arthritis results in joint stiffness, pain and swelling, which makes simple activities like walking, playing and jumping very difficult. Arthritis can affect any joint in a dog’s body, however, it is most commonly found in:
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Hips
• Knees
Arthritis can lead to chronic pain and disability, which ultimately impacts your dog’s quality of life.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preventing further damage to your pet’s joints, which is why many pet parents turn to CANINE PHYSICAL THERAPY for help. By recognizing common signs of arthritis in dogs, you can limit the severity of symptoms so your dog can remain active, healthy, and pain-free for years to come.