Since dog arthritis is a malady that progresses over time, a scale or a grading system can be used to measure or assess the severity of the disease. In my veterinary practice, I have created a grading system for dog arthritis with four grades: Grade 1 is the mildest while Grade 4 is the most severe. I use these four grades as a guide to choose medicines or procedures that will be most appropriate for a specific arthritis grade. This article will be covering grade 1 dog arthritis.
Grade 1 Dog Arthritis Symptoms
The dog will experience from time to time a very mild lameness. The animal will feel minor pain; however, the dog will try to conceal this pain especially in the presence of its owner.
Grade 1 Dog Arthritis – X-ray and Endoscopy
There are no bone spurs, scar tissue or fissures in the cartilage. A softening of the cartilage will be noticed.
Grade 1 Dog Arthrtitis Treatment
· Preventive surgery is only recommended for dogs with orthopedic conditions or injuries, which can affect a dog’s normal joint function. An orthopedic condition such as hip dysplasia or a broken bone can add more mechanical stress on other joints, which makes them more susceptible to the development of arthritis.
· Weight management can help lessen the amount of stress placed on the joints. Hence, obese or overweight dogs diagnosed with grade 1 dog arthritis should lose weight.
· Physical therapy does not require complicated machinery or techniques. Even arthritic dogs need some regular exercise. Keeping a dog’s joints moving regularly prevents stiffness, promotes blood circulation and helps strengthen the muscles and bones.
· Dietary supplements are good way to promote joint health by protecting cartilage, aiding cartilage growth and natural relief from pain and inflammation. Choose the right supplements containing the following ingredients: – D-Phenylalanine. An essential amino acid found in the breast milk of mammals, which is an analgesic. – SAM-e. Also known as S-Adenosyl methionine, SAM-e is a substance produced and consumed by the liver. It is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. – Low molecular weight Chondroitin. A component of cartilage, it can suppress inflammation, inhibit cartilage-destroying agents and promote the growth of new cartilage. It also helps the production of synovial fluid, a liquid that functions as a lubricant in joints. – Glucosamine HCL. A structural component of cartilage responsible, it makes the tissue spongy, making it an efficient shock absorber.