Arthritis is not only a human discomfort. Dogs can suffer from it, too, as they age. Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, are more prone to it due to a high incidence of hip dysplasia, and Dachshunds, due to their short legs and long bodies, who are prone to back/ disc injury from jumping on and off furniture. Both of these conditions cause pain, making it uncomfortable to move, which can lead to arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the body tries to stabilize a joint that has been hyperactive. In the spine, it is usually a vertebra that has become stuck and the ones above and below tend to move more, in order to make up the difference of the one not moving. This excess movement can cause the discs to dehydrate, which allows them to compress and potentially herniate or rupture. The body will automatically start to stabilize the area by growing new bone, leading to spondylosis, or overgrowth of bone in the spine, which is a form of osteoarthritis. If left alone, this can lead to fusion of the affected segments of the spine and can have a domino effect throughout the spine. Likewise, an unstable extremity joint can wear away the cartilaginous cushion of the joint leading to the stabilization type bone growth and inflammation that can lead to arthritis.
There have been great veterinary medications that have come on the market to help with the pain and inflammation, namely Librella and Rimadyl. They work well in some pups but others scarcely see a difference using them. This latter situation is where chiropractic care and veterinary care work well together.
Chiropractic care will improve mobility by restoring the nerve flow to the joint and spine, while reducing inflammation and pain. The chiropractic adjustment helps to lubricate and hydrate the joint, whether in the spine or extremities, making it more comfortable to move and stay active.
Your veterinary chiropractor may also recommend supplements such as Turmeric or Curcumin, which is a more natural approach without the potential side effects seen in some prescription medications, working just as well to reduce pain and inflammation. One of the best on the market is ThorneVet’s Curcuvet, which has been shown just as effective in pain and inflammation reduction as Gabapentin, again without the possible side effects of woozy or wobbliness. This supplement can be found online or at our office at the same price, for convenience.
If you feel your pup may be suffering from the effects of osteoarthritis, please give us a call today to help your fur baby live their best life as soon as possible.