What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Signs to Look For in Buffalo Grove, IL?

Have you ever heard of osteoarthritis in dogs? Has your vet told you that this is something that affects your dog, or do you suspect it might be? Are you looking for more information about this condition and how it relates to dogs specifically in Buffalo Grove?

If any of this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place. In the article below, you’ll find information about osteoarthritis in general as well as what it does to dogs. You can use this information to speak with our vet in Buffalo Grove for further clarification or diagnosis in your own dog.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly shortened to its more simplified name, arthritis. This condition causes reduced cartilage around the joints and can sometimes lead to the growth of bone spurs as well. When this happens, the joint suffers from limited mobility and the dog may be in pain when trying to move. This condition is much more common in senior dogs than in any other age groups, but it can happen to any dog. Some breeds are more at risk than others.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs in Buffalo Grove?

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis in dogs is simply reduced movement and mobility. As the condition progresses, dogs may not be able to move the way they once did. A dog might not be able to jump up onto the sofa or bed, or he might take a lot longer to get up out of his own dog bed after sleeping. The longer the condition progresses, the more your dog will also start to show signs of pain. Dogs may be in pain due to the inflammation in their joints from this problem. Pain may cause fear or aggression in dogs.

How is this condition diagnosed in a dog?

Our vet in Buffalo Grove will thoroughly examine your dog and focus on the joint or joints that are causing your dog pain. Dr. Schaele may move the joints around and press on them to see if there is any fluid buildup there. Then, the vet will likely call for an x-ray, which will show any signs of bone spurs or other growth problems in your dog’s joints. Instead of an x-ray, a vet may require a CT scan. This can give more thorough feedback and information on complicated joints in the body. An MRI may be required in situations when your vet needs to see the soft tissue around the joint as well.

Buffalo Grove Nurse hugging dog

What are your dog’s treatment options in Buffalo Grove?

Although there’s no full treatment for osteoarthritis, your dog’s symptoms can be managed through a variety of methods. These include:

  • Different activities and exercise: Try cutting down on activities that encourage jumping and instead focus on walks.
  • Physical therapy: In moderate to severe cases, physical therapy may be able to help your dog regain some mobility and joint control.
  • Weight loss: Dogs who are overweight may see a lot of improvement in their symptoms by losing a healthy amount of weight.
  • Pain medication: If your dog is suffering from a lot of pain related to osteoarthritis, the vet may prescribe pain medication. You should never give pain medication without a vet’s supervision.

What is the prognosis?

There is no cure for osteoarthritis in Buffalo Grove and it’s considered both chronic and progressive. This means that, even with the best of care and treatments, the condition will eventually get worse no matter what. It is sometimes possible to have a dog’s joint replaced surgically—like a human might have a knee or hip replacement—but this is a cost-prohibitive option that may not even be available in all locations due to its complexity.

As you can see, there are many ways osteoarthritis affects dogs, but they are all related. They are also very similar to the way this condition affects humans. If you think your dog might have this health problem, you should speak to your vet right away for more information.

Our vet in Buffalo Grove will be able to give you more specialized information and recommendations specific to your own individual dog. The sooner you work with your vet to figure out your dog’s diagnosis, the sooner you will be able to help your furry friend get back to a more comfortable level of mobility for himself. Please if you have any questions or would like to come in for our visit please Call Us Today!

 

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About Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital

Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital has been a part of the Buffalo Grove community since 1969. Our veterinarians serve Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and the surrounding areas with the best veterinary medicine year after year. Our commitment to pet health runs deep, and we’ve proven our skill and compassion by becoming an AAHA-accredited Animal Hospital, the highest accreditation veterinary practices can receive.