Treatments Archives - Perros siempre en movimiento

What side effects do anti-inflammatories have in dogs?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are the most commonly prescribed pain reliever in dogs , used primarily to treat pain and inflammation in veterinary medicine.

Inflammation, the body’s response to irritation or injury, is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

It is important to note that we should NEVER administer them to animals without a prior veterinary prescription, as they can cause serious problems.

Do you want to know what the possible side effects of NSAIDs are?

NSAIDs are effective, but like all medications, they can produce certain side effects that we must assess:

Not eating or eating less
gastrointestinal ulcer
Overdose
Yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes
Skin changes (scabbing, redness, or scratching)
Lethargy, depression, behavior changes
vomiting
Diarrhoea, black stools
Change in drinking habits
Change in urination
Anorexy
Gastrointestinal perforation
liver toxicity
Kidney toxicity, kidney failure
Death

It is important to realize that adverse side effects can occur after one dose, many doses, or may never occur. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and they react uniquely to different medications. If you notice any side effects or problems after starting your dog on NSAIDs, call your vet and be sure to withdraw the medication.

It is also important to keep these medications in a secluded place , where the dog cannot get to them, since unfortunately one of the most common reasons for side effects related to NSAIDs is overdose. Many of the NSAIDs are flavored for ease of administration and this also makes them attractive to pets who may eat them.

How to minimize the risks of NSAID side effects?

The best way to minimize adverse risks is to examine the dog and find out its health status to see if it can take this medication.
Before prescribing NSAIDs, your veterinarian will need to obtain a full health history and perform a complete exam to determine if your dog has any contraindications such as pre-existing conditions or medications that increase the risk of side effects.

Your vet will obtain a blood test to screen for conditions where these medications are best avoided. Kidney, liver or stomach ailments.

We must also take special care NOT to give our dogs medications for humans , as they can suffer from poisoning. We must consider that in animals the dose that we can give is much lower, it is usually 5 mg per kilogram, and from 100 mg gastric ulcers begin to appear.

Should I supervise my dog while taking NSAIDs?

Just as important as detection is monitoring the dog once the medication has been started . Your vet will likely recommend rechecking your dog’s blood and urine regularly. This motorization allows you to ensure that your dog is tolerating the medication without developing adverse effects. All NSAID manufacturers recommend baseline blood tests as well as regular checkups to minimize the chance of serious side effects.

All NSAIDs should be used with caution because they have the potential to cause side effects, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforations. They should be taken only when necessary, since doses that are too high or for too long without veterinary control can cause serious problems.

We must find a way to reduce the dog’s pain, so that it does not get worse quickly. The most effective way to control pain with minimal side effects is a combination of several treatments . So we must value all the solutions on the market.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Delia Ortocanis

Exercises to strengthen the dog’s hind legs

Curiosities, Treatments, vet

Improving the muscles of the hind limbs in dogs is an interesting option both in dogs that are being rehabilitated from problems in the hind limbs and in dogs that are initially healthy, but that have weakness in the hind limbs.

The first thing we have to do is evaluate the patient. Observe the muscle mass of the posterior ones, palpate this musculature, look if apart from muscle atrophy there is tension or flaccidity.

If we observe muscle tension it will be convenient to start the rehabilitation by unloading the muscles, with massage, with TENS, with heat … on the other hand, if we observe weakness and flaccidity, we must begin rehabilitation with Electrostimulation or light muscle toning exercises.

Walks is the easiest way to start a rehabilitation, it should always be pain-free, if the dog has pain you should go to the veterinarian and take the necessary pharmacological measures to resolve the situation, a TENS can also be very useful to eliminate pain during walks.

Another important point is the way the dog walks, if it mainly uses the forelimbs to perform its gait this exercise will not bring us practically any improvement in the strength of the posterior ones.

It is important to get the dog to work with the hind legs, this can be achieved by walking on the short leash and indicating to the dog that he must carry weight in the posterior ones, it will be practically impossible if the dog has pain in the hips, knees or some other structure of the posterior third.

Squats (making the dog sit up and get up a few repetitions in a row) is going to be another of the exercises we will use; we must reserve this exercise for when the dog does not have pain in the subsequent ones and his muscle mass is enough to withstand this exercise or failing that we can help ourselves with a harness for later to help lift the dog.

Working in the water with the underwater treadmill is one of the best exercises since they strengthen the muscles protecting the joints. The sloping walks is another of the exercises that we must practice, the inclination of the slope will force more the posterior third and the dog will work more and increase the muscular power of the posterior third. This can be done both on a climb and on a rolling tapestry with inclination.

In the later phases of treatment weights can be used for muscle strengthening in dogs.

There are several solutions that can help us to be able to perform these exercises better, that the dog feels better and can correctly perform these exercises thus increasing the strength in the posterior third such as the knee pads, tarsus supports, hip support, or boots or foot protectors in case of having problems in the plantar area.

Orthocanis technical team.

www.ortocanis.com

15/03/2024/by Ortocanis

What to do with a dog that has back problems

Animal welfare, injuries, Pathologies, Treatments

Dogs can have health problems related to their limbs. But they can also have back problems . These problems can be both muscular and bone . And it can be due to various factors. For example, to an illness, whether punctual or chronic. Or to a blow.

They can also be due to the wear and tear of bones and muscles due to age . Indeed, elderly dogs can suffer from degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis . Also have more aches and pains than a young dog. This affects your well-being, but also your mobility. And as a consequence, in its general condition.

Support for dogs with back problems

A dog with pain not only moves worse. He is also in a worse mood and sadder. In these cases it is best to consult the veterinarian. Both to find out what is wrong and to recommend the most appropriate treatment. On many occasions it will basically consist of supplying anti-inflammatories and painkillers. Other times a surgical intervention will be necessary. For example, if there is a complicated herniated disc .

In addition to these types of treatments, the well-being of dogs can be helped with protectors and orthopedic supports . For example, a thoraco-lumbar thermal support . With them, in addition to having the back protected, they will receive heat in the affected area. In this way, your injuries will improve.

This support is indicated for dogs of a certain age that suffer from osteoarthritis in the spine. Also for those with instability in the lumbar and thoracic area , or cauda syndrome . Apart from this, it is indicated for conservative treatment in herniated discs . And also for the periods after the operations of this ailment.

In general, it is recommended for dogs that suffer from any type of spine ailment. And for those who have mobility problems in the hind legs .

Orthopedic beds and thermal coats

Dogs with back problems should rest well to avoid further pain. Generally, a conventional dog bed will not provide them with the support and support that they need. Therefore, if a dog has spinal injuries or mobility problems it is advisable that they use an orthopedic bed . This is especially advisable if the dog is already old , or if it has osteoarthritis problems.

These types of beds are made in a special way to improve the rest of elderly dogs . Thus, if they rest better, their body will be more rested, and their injuries will soften a little . The same will happen if the dog has osteoarthritis. These beds are manufactured with specific materials and finishes to improve the performance of the animal’s joints.

They are usually made up of a special viscoelastic or foam material , covered with soft fabric with a pleasant touch, so that the dog is comfortable on them. Apart from this, they are usually thicker and firmer than conventional dog beds.

In addition to beds, these dogs also need to be bundled up in winter . Low temperatures can affect your joints and your back . Therefore, it is advisable to put a protective thermal coat on them. This way they will stay warmer and your back will not suffer the consequences of the cold.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Total or partial rupture of cruciate ligament in dogs

injuries, Treatments

One of the most frequent injuries that dogs usually suffer is the rupture of one of their cruciate ligaments of the knee. As with humans, cruciate ligament rupture in dogs can be partial or total. And if not treated conveniently, the partial can be converted into total in a short time.

When a dog suffers a rupture of one of its cruciate ligaments, its symptoms become evident very quickly. Therefore, when they are detected, it is necessary to go to a veterinarian as soon as possible to treat it properly. But for this you have to know before what are its symptoms and the consequences of not treating these ailments in time.

Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: symptoms

When a cruciate ligament tear occurs in dogs, the animal suffers almost immediately from walking problems. It is one of the most visible symptoms of what happens. When a dog breaks a cruciate ligament on one of its legs, it begins to limp. In addition, it tries in many cases to keep the affected leg up while moving.

In addition, you may have some stiffness in the limb after a regular activity, such as a walk. And try to move the para to the side when you sit down. It’s likely that you’re down and don’t want to play or run, and prefer to lie down.

Apart from these symptoms, the affected leg may present others that affect its appearance and functions, such as a spill of joint fluid. For example, it can become inflamed. Or, when the dog is walking, clicks are heard in the area of the damaged ligament. Also, when examining it, if the affected knee is touched, it will hurt.

If some of these symptoms are observed, you have to go to the veterinarian, as we have mentioned, to study the dog’s limb. If it is left, in addition to the dog feeling pain, the injury will get worse. Thus, a partial break can degenerate into a total break. Or in osteoarthritis. In fact, it is one of the main causes of knee osteoarthritis in dogs. It can even affect other ligaments of the same leg.

Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

One of the treatments that are often used to correct a cruciate ligament tear in dogs is surgery. But it is a fairly complex operation, and in some cases it is convenient to perform some operations before. For example, in case the cruciate ligament tear in dogs leads to a spill of liquid, it should be removed by a puncture.

In addition, the condition of the joint must be examined. To do this, in addition to performing a manipulation of the affected limb, a knee arthroscopy can also be performed on the dog. Often, this technique can be used to treat the injury and rule out others. In any case, if the break is total, it only remains to operate to repair the knee.

Subsequently, the affected joint can be protected by a knee protector or an articulated knee orthosis. This last type of restraint element can also come in handy for dogs that, for any reason, cannot be operated. With them, the animal will feel less pain, and the affected paw will not suffer abnormal displacements due to the injury. In addition to, of course, a treatment with anti-inflammatories and prevent the animal from suffering from being overweight.

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Solutions to hip dysplasia in dogs

Pathologies, Treatments, vet

Hip dysplasia in dogs is one of their most common inherited bone diseases. It is not a congenital disease, and there are also no signs that the animal suffers from it when it is born. It develops as the dog grows, and it is not often that it appears in its first three months of life. It is from the fourth or fifth when it begins to make its appearance.

It is a degenerative condition and is caused by a malformation in the joint that joins the hip and head of the femur. It is usually painful and can cause lameness, as well as problems getting the animal to feel properly. As the disease progresses, the dog will move with more difficulty. It will cost you more and more, for example, to climb stairs. In more severe cases, you will even stop running or even walking.

This disease, more frequent in medium or large breeds, can be enhanced by factors such as overweight. It will also be more accentuated if the affected dog gets a lot of exercise. Fortunately, there are several solutions to correct hip dysplasia in dogs. In general, they will vary depending on the severity of the disease when it is diagnosed.

The most common solutions to hip dysplasia in dogs

As we have mentioned, the treatment of the affected animal should be based on the severity of the dysplasia. There are two types: those that try to prevent the disease from progressing and try not to go any further and surgical. The latter are more radical, and more indicated in severe cases.

Treatments of the first type, considered conservative, involve administering specific drugs for the progression of osteoarthritis, called chondroprotectors, to the dog. This treatment is long-lasting, and is designed to slow down its progress. In addition, it can be supplemented with anti-inflammatories, analgesics and with a hip support.

The use of a hip support not only makes the dog affected by the disease less discomfort. You will also have less pain, which makes it possible to lower your dose of anti-inflammatories. To this also contributes the monitoring of the diet of the animal, to prevent it from gaining weight.

In more severe cases, or when the veterinarian decides that it is the most appropriate, it is advisable to opt for a surgical solution

Curative treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs

All treatments aimed at curing hip dysplasia in dogs go through the operating room. Of course, they can also be palliative.

Among the curative ones are the triple osteotomy of the pelvis, which consists of its relocation and the replacement of the hip by a prosthesis. This last procedure is similar to that carried out in humans. But, as we have said, there are also palliatives, such as the substitution by exccession of the head of the femur.

Dogs that suffer a severe case of hip dysplasia and cannot walk, or those that are recovering from an operation, can use a wheelchair created especially for this type of case. These are devices that can be made to measure in a few days, or supports adjustable to the dimensions of the animal.

With them, dogs with this disease will be able not only to move, but to use them as an aid to recover mobility and muscle tone.

Ortocanis Editor Team

15/03/2024/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Animal welfare, injuries, Treatments, vet

Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. The more active you are, the higher the chances of getting injured.

It is especially true when it comes to dogs. Dogs are naturally active animals and need to run around and get plenty of exercise. Not only running, but they also love to jump indoors and outdoors.

Their nature makes them do this many times without being cautious. It makes dogs more prone to injuries, even as serious as fractures and broken bones.

Using a cast is a popular method of healing an injury such as a fracture. This article explains important facts about using cast for dogs.

What Is Casting

A cast is a type of hard bandage that wraps around limbs that have been fractured or injured in some form. Dogs are very active animals that run and jump around almost daily. So, they are at high risk of injuring themselves and fracturing their bones

Accidents, falls, and trauma can lead to injuries that require a cast on a dog. Limbs are the most common area that gets fractured in dogs and require casting.

Sometimes, a cast doesn’t prove to be sufficient for healing. In severe falls, and traumatic accidents, dogs could even break a leg. It could even lead to the requirement of surgery.

Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Casts lie in close contact with the dog’s skin and are a method used to treat external immobilization. It consists of several layers of plaster and padding.

Materials used in a cast include fiberglass, polyurethane-impregnated cotton-polyester, or thermoplastics.

Some fractures in dogs are generally visible right away. So you can take your dog to the vet for casting.

Other fractures are not as obvious and may be missed for a few days until you see your dog limping.

A vet needs to examine the injury using an x-ray to determine if a casting is sufficient or if it requires surgery.

Depending on the severity of the break, your vet may require plates or pins to keep the bones in place. Once the plates are in place and immobilized, the bones will heal around the steel parts. Your vet may recommend a cast to keep the bones immobilized.

If your dog’s injury is more severe and requires surgery, the vet might use anesthesia to reset the bones.

Casting Procedure

Casting is done using an aseptic technique, which means the method is designed to prevent microorganism contamination. Therefore, your dog could even be anesthetized, and the affected area may be shaved before the procedure.

Here is the step-by-step procedure followed for casting on a foreleg fracture.

Place the dog in a side-lying (lateral recumbency) position with the injured extremity facing down.
Apply tape to the ventral and dorsal areas of the foot while a stirrup is created. At this point, the dog’s leg should be elevated to provide support while performing the casting procedure.
Sometimes, the application of a stockinette bandage may be required.
Apply several layers of padding to the elevated leg. The padding consists of layers that are wound tightly around the leg.
Roll out several layers of cast material around the leg, from distal to proximal limb aspects, overlapping itself on each encirclement.
Place wet plaster atop the casting material to get the shape of the leg.
Turn the visible padding at both ends downwards, and tape over the stirrup.
The plaster will take several hours to dry, so the dog may have to stay overnight at the hospital.

Efficacy Of Casting In Dogs

Casting done by a professional such as a vet will permanently fix the affected skeleton. Casting effectively treats most fractures in dogs, except for a few serious ones that require surgery.

An injury with a cast will heal 97% of the time without complications.

A vet will try his best to treat injuries by putting on a cast. However, if it’s unable to do so, a vet has no choice but to go for surgery. It’s usually the case when there are severe breaks in multiple locations.

A cast is put on the affected area for full immobilization. A dog needs adequate rest to recover with minimal effect and gain full mobility soon.

Casting Recovery In Dogs

Your dog might have to stay overnight at the hospital after the initial cast setting based on the vet’s recommendation.

You must take good care of your dog when recovering at home. Your dog needs to rest and not put too much weight and pressure on the affected limbs.

The vet will provide drug therapy consisting of pain medications to give your dog while recovering at home. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in case of secondary damage like swelling or infection due to injury.

At-home care accounts for about 50% of the recovery. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, it could take anywhere between five to twelve weeks for a full recovery.

You may have to take your dog to check and change the outer bandages during recovery. Your vet will inspect the injury to see if it’s healing well.

Your vet needs to recheck your dog’s injury after recovery with additional x-rays to ensure that it has completely healed.

Casting Cost

The casting cost depends on factors such as the injury’s type, severity, and location. It also varies based on whether there is emergency care or specialized surgical care.

A simple cast would cost under $400. However, if the injury involves surgery, it could cost several thousand dollars.

The national average of casting varies between $1000 and $5000. It depends on the specialization of the vet and follow-up care procedures.

Going to the vet may cost approximately $50 per visit. X-rays and tests will cost between $50 – $200 per visit. In addition, medication and other follow-up care requirements will cost upto $100.

Casting Considerations

Once casting is done, your dog’s recovery depends on how well you take care of it. You need to give it the medication as advised by the vet.

The risk of using a cast is higher at home than at the vet. Because your dog will be spending more time recovering at home, your care is of utmost importance.

While at the vet, you need to consider his advice regarding alternatives to surgery, like using steel pins or plates. However, surgery may sometimes be unavoidable, so you’ll have to go with what your vet recommends.

There is also a method that does bone reset using a bandage cast. You can discuss all of these alternatives in detail with your vet.

Once the procedure is done, you must take good care of your dog at home. Improper care can pose a risk in the following ways.

Infection
Loss of circulation
Necrotic tissues
Delayed healing time

If everything is fine, your dog should heal well within several weeks with minimal aches and pains in the affected area.

How To Take Care Of A Dog In A Cast

Taking good care of your dog is essential during recovery. An essential fact to note is never to let a cast or bandage get wet. A cast could get wet from water bowls, wet grass, urine, and saliva.

A wet cast could cause problems when bacteria begin to multiply on it. You can cover it with a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet when your dog goes out. However, don’t keep it for longer than 30 minutes.

If the plaster gets wet, you can dry it using a hair dryer. Be sure not to overheat the skins beneath the cast. If it’s too wet, you must return and get a new dressing done.

Always touch and feel the toes daily to check for warmth and dryness. Do this when your dog is occupied with something.

Your dog should respond when you squeeze its toes. If your dog is unresponsive, it’s a cause for concern, and you need to take it to the vet.

Place a sock over the cast to prevent your dog from licking the area. Your dog will not lick the cast when there is a sock on it. Ensure it’s a cover that allows the dressing to ‘breathe.’ Avoid using plastic or waterproof materials.

Watch for any irritations on top of the dressing. Sometimes sticky plasters and the dressing rubbing could cause allergic reactions, which you must address with the vet.

Ensure to take your pet for dressing changes as required.

Casting Prevention In Dogs

Preventing injuries requires you to watch your dog at all possible times. Dogs can jump or fall and get injured both indoors and outdoors. So it’s important to be on alert at all times.

Make a note of areas with stairs, as there is a high risk of your dog falling up. Fence your yard to ensure your dog doesn’t run onto the road without your knowledge. Road accidents are also a common reason for an injury that requires putting on a cast.

Stay alert when you take your dog outdoors for a walk or on an adventure like hiking, especially if it’s a stubborn one. Make sure you use a training collar for stubborn dogs to control your dog and prevent them from doing something that would cause an injury.

Conclusion

Keep these important facts on casting for dogs to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. Prevention is better than cure, so always keep an eye on your dog to prevent injuries that require using a cast for healing.

Finally, take good care of your dog while in recovery to ensure that it has minimal pain and that the affected area is fully-healed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should A Dog Wear A Cast?

A dog should wear a cast for five to twelve weeks, depending on the severity and nature of the fracture.

Can A Dog Walk With A Cast?

Walking is fine as long as your dog doesn’t run or walk very fast. Ensure to keep the casting clean at all times, especially when it goes outdoors.

Can A Dog Fully Recover From A Broken Leg?

Yes. A dog can take up to twelve weeks to fully recover from a broken leg.

26/09/2022/1 Comment/by Ortocanis

Does your dog suffer from joint pain? You can help

Animal welfare, Pathologies, Treatments

joint pain They are common in dogs, especially older dogs and large breed dogs. Although any dog can suffer from joint problems due to causes such as excessive exercise or other ailments or disorders.

To help your dog you can use chondroprotectors and you will also find experts in canine orthopedics who can advise you on the use of orthopedic aids .

There are different types of joint protectors , depending on where the dog suffers the pain.

Do you know what chondroprotectors are?

Chondroprotectors are not drugs, but food supplements, and are made up of natural substances to prevent and treat joint problems. The composition of chondroprotectors is usually hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

The function of the chondroprotector is to prevent the breakdown of cartilage. This breakdown is the first step in the development of degenerative joint disease, so they are most effective when used early in the disease.

They reduce inflammation and stiffness, relieving the pain felt by the dog. As a result, your mobility improves and your joints and cartilage recover.

In the market you can find many types. From Chondroprotectors with added natural anti-inflammatories or even feed with chondroprotectors included in its composition.

Do you know how to detect if your dog needs these aids?

First of all, comment that both joint protectors and chondroprotectors can be complementary aids that help reduce joint pain suffered by dogs. You can use them in case of joint problems, such as dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or arthritis; after joint surgery or trauma; or to strengthen joints in formation.

It is also important to recognize certain signs to find out if your dog needs these aids. If you notice that your dog is reluctant to move, limps, has trouble climbing stairs, moves strangely, is less active or complains if you touch him. The most obvious symptom that your dog has a joint problem is limp. However, other symptoms may also appear that indicate that you suffer from joint pain, such as:

Your dog lies down and gets up with difficulty.
He does not want to go up or down steps and has difficulty getting into the car.
He is slower on walks, does not run, does not play and does not want to walk much.
It walks strangely, with its back legs close together, or even crossing them.
It shows pain when you touch or brush it, even complaining.
He licks his paws and joints a lot.
It carries its head or tail lower than normal.
Their legs are stiff or swollen around the joints.

The best help for joint pain It will depend on your particular situation. We always recommend consulting with the veterinarian to find the one that best suits each case.

Luckily, more and more, we have new solutions to reduce joint pain in our dogs and thus improve their quality of life 🙂

04/09/2020/0 Comments/by Delia Ortocanis

What to do with a dog that drags its knuckles when walking

Pathologies, Treatments

The way dogs walk can be affected by numerous ailments. They can walk poorly due to joint problems, or because a foreign object has stuck in them. These changes in the way of walking serve to detect various pathologies that have no other external manifestation. For example, when faced with a dog that drags its knuckles , it can be suspected that it suffers from some ailment related to the sciatic nerve.

Generally, this phenomenon usually occurs in the hind legs of the dog. It can happen in one of the legs or in both. And although it does not prevent him from walking, it does make it difficult for him to walk . Also, you will hurt your paw and feel pain if you walk for a long time.

Why does a dog drag his knuckles when walking?

The reasons why a dog drags his knuckles when walking can be very varied. This problem may be due, for example, to problems in the animal’s sciatic nerve . But it can also be due to spinal injury , myeloplasia , or degenerative myelopathy .

In any case, it is important to go to the vet as soon as it is detected , so that it can be diagnosed correctly and find a solution. Otherwise, in addition to the damage you may already have in your lower back or spine, it will also damage your legs.

What to do to correct knuckle drag

The first thing to try to avoid this is, as we have mentioned, go to the vet. Faced with a dog that drags its knuckles when walking, the specialist will recommend treatment after diagnosis. This may be corrective or, if the animal has a degenerative disease, palliative. In the latter case, the aim will not be to correct the problem, but rather to provide the animal with the best possible quality of life .

In addition to the medication or the precautions to be taken, the veterinarian will recommend various guidelines so that the dog is as comfortable as possible. Among them, when the animal is at home it has a comfortable place to lie down . And one that can be easily lifted . By bending your knuckles, you may have a hard time getting up, because your grip will fail. Therefore, in addition to falling, the affected leg can be injured.

Apart from this, the new proprioceptive corrector can also be placed on the affected leg. This corrector will support the knuckles and fingers of the affected leg so that you can support it correctly. With it, the animal will have adequate tension at the necessary points to prevent the knuckles from bending. You can rest your paw on the pads normally.

Of course, this type of correctors cannot be worn indefinitely. In general, as the veterinarian will advise, the ideal is that they should be worn for a short period of time at first. For example, 15 minutes . Then you can gradually increase the time that the animal can carry it. Of course, in no case is it recommended to wear it for more than two hours . And in case you have to carry it for so long, it is advisable to protect the leg with a special boot .

13/02/2019/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Distemper in dogs and its treatment

What is distemper in dogs and how is it spread?

The RNA virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is the cause of one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases. Better known as distemper in dogs, it is contracted by direct contact with one that is infected. The symptoms do not appear immediately since there is an incubation period between 14 and 18 days beforehand.

Not all strains of distemper in dogs have the same virulence. Therefore, each clinical picture has its own severity and evolution. Replication occurs in the lymphoid tissue, thus causing immunosuppression in the animal. From there it progresses and infects the central nervous system. At this point is when we can observe the weakness in the hind legs.

Distemper in dogs mainly affects puppies between 3 and 6 months of age, as they have a weaker immune system. However, older dogs can also be infected.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs

The initial symptoms of distemper in dogs are very varied, and include rhinitis, mucopurulent discharge, cough, conjunctivitis, vomiting or diarrhea, fever, dehydration, anorexia or weight loss, and pneumonia (due to secondary bacterial infections), among others. others.

When the disease reaches the central nervous system, other types of symptoms appear. These are encephalitis, which is responsible for weakness in the legs, tremors and various paralyzes, as well as convulsions and blindness.

Encephalitis, when it affects adult dogs, can occur in two different ways. In the first place, as multifocal encephalitis, whose main characteristic is incoordination, tilted head, facial paralysis and tremors, as well as the aforementioned weakness in the hind legs. This type of distemper in dogs appears between the ages of 4 and 8, and evolves into paralysis , although they can recover.

Secondly, when it comes to older dogs, that is, older than 6, a visual deficit appears, as well as mental depression, personality changes, tournament and also inability to hold the head. Recovery is complex in these cases.

Treatment of distemper in dogs

There is currently no specific treatment for distemper in dogs. Although there is a way to prevent contagion and that is through vaccination. In the event of contagion, isolation is essential to avoid spreading the disease.

For secondary infections, antibiotics will be administered, and for the specific symptoms of distemper in dogs, anti-inflammatories and antipyretics. There are also medications for seizures. In addition to all this, we will make sure that the animal eats and drinks so as not to become dehydrated.

Regarding the quality of life of the animal, we can help with mobility using specific harnesses , as well as wheelchairs if necessary. If you need advice to choose the right ones, you can contact us.

24/01/2019/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

What can cause paralysis in dogs?

injuries, most commented, Pathologies, Treatments

Paralysis in dogs

, which makes the animal unable to move its hind legs, front legs, or four legs, has various origins. It can be caused by trauma, but also by illness. It can also be gradual or sudden, be irreversible, or offer possibilities for improvement or healing.

Wheelchair for Ortocanis dog

In any case, it will be necessary to provide the animal with all the necessary care to facilitate its recovery. For this, it is essential to know the cause of paralysis to apply the most appropriate treatment. We could not only alleviate your symptoms, but reverse them in certain cases, and if not possible, provide you with the highest possible quality of life .

Main causes of paralysis in dogs

Fundamentally, paralysis in dogs is caused by either trauma or disease. This can be congenital or infectious. Among the congenital diseases that cause paralysis in dogs, especially in the hind limbs, is a degenerative pathology of the intervertebral discs. Dogs that suffer from it, usually due to age, lose mobility, since the membrane that surrounds their spinal cord progressively decomposes.

As for infectious diseases that cause paralysis , there are two that are particularly dangerous. They are rabies and distemper. On the other hand, the animal experiencing paralysis may have a tumor somewhere on its body that affects its mobility. For example, if you have one in your spine, it can affect your limbs.

In addition, the dog may suffer paralysis from an injury to the neck or spinal cord. Generally, these types of injuries are the result of a hard blow or an accident. In these cases, the paralysis is usually permanent.

On many occasions the dog does not want to move because it has pain. It is common to find cases of ligament injuries or osteoarthritis where the dog avoids using the affected limb. We would not talk about a paralysis itself but we must know these cases since they are more frequent. Normally we will see that the animal complains if we manipulate the affected area. In these cases the veterinarian could recommend the use of an
orthosis
.

In another order of things, paralysis in dogs can also be psychological, as a result of shock. In these cases, since there are no spinal cord injuries, the paralysis will be temporary. It can also cause the intake of spoiled food, contaminated with botulinum toxin. It can even be caused by the bite of an insect, since there are animals that with a bite can cause paralysis in dogs. This is the case of some families of ticks.

Symptoms and treatment of paralysis in dogs

In addition to being unable to walk, paralysis in dogs can have other symptoms. For example, difficulties getting up. It can also be an indicator that the animal cannot urinate, or that it has trouble controlling urine. In the latter case, it will drip constantly. This can also happen to the animal when defecating. In addition, you may also walk in pain or as if you are dizzy.

In these cases, it is best to take the animal to the veterinarian to examine it and decide the best way to help it. In case you suffer from incontinence apart from paralysis, it will be necessary to keep it as clean as possible. This will prevent the animal from having infections (and undesirable odors). In these cases you can use special
diapers
for dogs and protective coats.

On the other hand, we must ensure that he rests in the most comfortable way possible. For this it is advisable to use an orthopedic bed for dogs. In addition to providing them with better rest, these beds are designed to distribute the weight of the animal, avoid pressure points and ulcers on the skin due to prolonged use.

In any case, having a paralysis is not currently an obstacle for dogs to continue moving and enjoying. There are wheelchairs adapted to them, with which, if they have mobility in the front legs, they can continue walking and moving as if all four legs worked well.

Ortocanis Writing Team

12/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina