Arthritis
Dog arthritis (degenerative disk disease) is a disease in which joint cartilage deteriorates, resulting in surfaces that are supposed to glide over each other but become rough wheras lubrication within the joint is decreased. Movement is more difficult and often very painful. The signs of arthritis in a dog are: difficulty in walking (such as limping or a stiff, slow, or ungainly gait) difficulty in getting up from a seated or lying position (dogs will often whimper); difficulty climbing stairs; a creaking, crackling, or "ratcheting" sound in the joints; an overall decrease in mobility; an unwillingness to move and dragging the back legs so that the tops of the nails scrape the floor. Dogs who are experiencing the pain of arthritis also may become "snappish" if they are touched in the wrong place or made to move when they're not ready.
Not many people truly realize the pain that goes along with Arthritis. The pain isn't just when the dog gets up or moves around- this pain can be constant for the dog- and the dog can have a very hard time getting comfortable when laying down. It is very important to have a lot of soft bedding for the dog to lay on, and even raised beds so that he doesn't have to get up from such a low area. Usually large breeds are most affected by this problem, but it can also happen in smaller dogs.
Dog arthritis can sometimes be halted or prevented by surgery when x-rays indicate joint malformations. If surgery is not indicated or advisable, relief can be achieved with painkillers, glucosamine, exercise, rest, and diet.
The most common medications given to dogs with arthritis are:
Rimadyl, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (requires prescription), Cosequin which aids in the treatment of arthritis and other joint abnormalities. Cosequin combines Glucosamine and Chondroitin to maintain optimal joint function in your old or arthritic pet. Arthrimaxx is another good joint supplement.