Diseases of adult dogs and their symptoms

Old age, if we are lucky, is something that affects us all equally, whether we are humans, dogs, cats or any other species. Although each one can have its particular pathologies, the truth is that the diseases of adult dogs are often similar to ours. We leave you what they are and their symptoms so you can detect if they are affecting your friend.

What are the diseases of adult dogs

A dog is considered an adult when it reaches 8 years of age. When it comes to large breeds, it can be even sooner. At this stage, imbalances in health and some pathologies typical of this age begin to appear. Although not all dogs will suffer from them, we are going to find out what are the most common diseases of adult dogs and the symptoms they present.

Although some may have treatments or solutions to help them improve, others are a natural part of the process of any living being and the only thing we can do is support them and continue to love them so that they feel supported.

osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is probably one of the most frequent diseases of adult dogs. It is familiar to us since it also affects humans, and the symptoms are very similar. Bone and joint pain and difficulty in performing certain movements are the symptoms that appear when this pathology progresses.

That is why adult dogs become progressively more inactive and can change their cheerful and playful character. The symptoms are, therefore, an increase in passivity, complaints when making some movements, loss of interest in walking and playing, and even loss of appetite. However, there are many solutions such as slings or knee protectors that can help relieve pressure and reduce pain.

Obesity

Obesity is another of the diseases of adult dogs that occurs more frequently. In addition, it is often linked to osteoarthritis. Excess weight increases the pressure on the joints and the effort they must make.

To prevent this from happening, you have to pay attention to your diet. Excess treats should be eliminated and opt for a senior feed. Nutritional needs vary as well as the total number of calories. Obesity can cause other diseases in adult dogs, such as heart and kidney diseases.

deafness and blindness

Both are also diseases of adult dogs, just as they happen to people. As long as they maintain their sense of smell, dogs can handle themselves quite well. On the other hand, in the case of blindness, if it is about cataracts, they can be operated on. When it comes to degenerative processes there is little we can do. Since it is possible that they move at a slower speed, we should always offer them a good coat to walk.

Kidney diseases

Although there are more, the last of the most frequent diseases of adult dogs are kidney diseases. Nausea or loss of appetite are the main symptoms of this pathology. Although there is no cure, some medications can reduce the discomfort caused. Just like with arthritis.

Diseases of adult dogs are a natural part of the aging process. The important thing is to continue taking good care of the animal, administering the medications it requires and offering therapeutic help to maintain its mobility.

05/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Top Tips for Senior Dog Care

Animal welfare

When a dog gets older, its needs change. Also the care that we must give them so that their life remains full and of quality when they become senior dogs. Therefore, from a certain age, ailments can begin. And sooner than you think. Usually, each year of a dog’s life is equivalent to seven of a human. So it doesn’t take long until a dog enters middle age. Of course, first of all, you have to know when a dog can be considered senior.

Senior dogs: at what age do they become so?

In general, a dog can be considered to be seniorified during the last quarter of its life. In addition, small and medium-sized dogs become senior later than large ones. Usually, larger breeds become senior dogs by the age of seven or eight. Sometimes, a year earlier. It all depends on its size, because the larger the breed of the animal, the sooner it will be considered senior.

Meanwhile, dogs of smaller breeds begin to be considered senior around 9 or 10 years, and their life expectancy is also longer as they are smaller breeds.

What distinguishes a senior dog

First of all, a senior dog is in no way synonymous with a sick dog. Rather it will be a dog that has entered maturity. Therefore, it has many advantages. It is an animal with some experience. In general, it is already taught and is calmer than puppies and young dogs.

Of course, this does not mean that it has become an animal that does not perform activities. It only implies that he will not be as fond of adventures as before, and that he begins to like to follow certain routines.

What care to give to senior dogs

With the maturity of a dog, the first ailments begin to appear. It also becomes necessary to start monitoring your health more carefully. Thus, it will be convenient to take you from time to time to the veterinarian for a check-up. It is the best way to control the problems that may appear in your teeth, in your fur, your vision, etc. Also to detect diseases associated with the wear and tear caused by age.

On the other hand, you have to take care of your diet to avoid overweight, which increases in senior dogs due to the reduction in physical activity associated with age. Senior dogs that are overweight may suffer from various joint ailments more often. In these cases, the dog’s knees can suffer the consequences. This, added to the fact that with maturity the joints of animals can become inflamed and osteoarthritis appears, can cause walking problems and pain.

Despite all the weight and medical checks, there are times when osteoarthritis cannot be prevented from appearing. In this case, in addition to following the treatments recommended by the veterinarian, you can help him feel better with a knee protector for his affected limbs. Or if osteoarthritis affects their hips, with a special harness for them. With it you will have more stability when it comes to moving.

17/08/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Symptoms to detect osteoarthritis in dogs that you should know

Pathologies, vet

Just as it happens to humans when they get older, osteoarthritis can also occur in dogs. With age, your joints begin to suffer from the passage of time and age. And their wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis.

This condition, like humans, appears in dogs due to the wear and tear of cartilage. It is a degenerative disease, and the wear and tear of the cartilage can become so severe that the bones it separates begin to rub against each other.

Osteoarthritis in dogs usually affects mainly joints such as the elbow, hip, knee, spine, etc. They can be mild and not cause too much discomfort to the animal. Or be so severe that the dog suffers pain and cannot move comfortably. Luckily, osteoarthritis in dogs presents various symptoms. If they are detected in time, the animal can be taken to the veterinarian and treated to alleviate its symptoms and stop its progression. In addition, joint supports or protectors can also be used to strengthen the affected joints. This way you can have a better quality of life.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis has no specific known cause. In some cases it can be caused by a joint problem that causes a problem in the joint. For example, hip dysplasia. It can also be accentuated by excess weight, due to the extra load it must bear. Or some medical treatments.

In any case, the symptoms you present will always be the same. Of course, they depend on which leg or hip of the dog is affected. But the one that is common to all of them is that, suddenly, the dog seems less active and moves less. Of running already, we don’t even talk. In addition, it may even begin to limp slightly.

It is important to observe if this limp is more pronounced when you get up after sitting for a while. Or lying down. And also if you limp more when it’s colder. This is because, like humans, low temperatures are not good for osteoarthritis in dogs.

In addition to these symptoms, it is also necessary to observe if, although the dog does not limp, it has difficulty climbing the stairs. You may also have joint pains, although this is more complicated to detect. If it is a lot, it usually resists walking. When it occurs in the front legs and the animal knows how to give the paw, it can be a method to know if it has pains. If you don’t want to kick up, your joint may hurt.

The dog may also suffer from some loss of tone and muscle mass. And you may even have a lack of appetite, or appear lethargic at times. If the osteoarthritis you have is quite advanced, your postures may become more forced. They will be due to the stiffness of the affected limb.

Another symptom of osteoarthritis in dogs can be inflammation of the affected paw. This will be caused by friction between the bones, which will affect the nearby muscles, which will suffer the consequences.

If you notice that your dog has one or more of these symptoms for a few days, it is advisable to take him to the veterinarian. This way you can examine it and diagnose if you suffer from osteoarthritis or any other milder ailment.

23/05/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Osteoarthritis in dogs: the most appropriate treatments to relieve it

Animal welfare, Pathologies, Treatments

Dogs can also suffer from osteoarthritis as they get older. Just like humans. This disease, caused by wear and tear on the cartilage of the limbs of animals, causes them a lot of suffering. Luckily, osteoarthritis in dogs can be treated.

Thus, among its symptoms are pains, lameness of the affected limb or stiffness. Also difficulty moving and climbing stairs. And even experience a loss of mass in the muscles, and an abnormal decrease in your appetite.

Obviously, the sooner the symptoms of osteoarthritis are detected in a dog, the sooner the most appropriate treatment can be applied. As we will see below, it will be different depending on its severity.

Treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs

The first thing to do before a dog affected by osteoarthritis is several changes in its routine. All with the aim of getting the animal to have the least problems and the greatest possible autonomy. For example, if you regularly rest in a house with several floors, change your sleeping cushion to a plant where you do not have to climb stairs.

It will also be necessary to inevitably follow the instructions of the veterinarian. He will probably suggest giving the dog a treatment based on anti-inflammatories. In addition, it is likely to suggest that the animal take a compound with vitamins and minerals, in addition to collagen. With this type of compounds, what the veterinarian intends is that the cartilage stops its wear. Also prevent it from deforming.

However, we must not ignore the fact that osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease. It is necessary to avoid as much as possible that the animal has pains, for which other measures can be taken. Among them, monitor your weight and prevent you from gaining excess weight. You also have to make sure that there are many fatty acids in your diet. This favors the elasticity of the joints.

You also have to make sure that the dog does light exercise. Of course, adapted to your possibilities. For example, try to take walks, but prevent it from running. On the other hand, since extreme temperatures are not suitable for osteoarthritis, you have to protect yourself from them. Thus, it is necessary to avoid exposing it to both extreme cold and excessive heat.

In very severe cases of osteoarthritis, dogs may need to replace their affected joints with prostheses. Exactly the same as what happens in older people with age-related degenerative diseases. But that is only appropriate if the situation is already very serious. Or if the veterinarian so advises. Meanwhile, they can be helped with palliative treatments. Or with protectors that provide stability.

Protectors for limbs affected by osteoarthritis

In case osteoarthritis causes enough discomfort to the dog, it is advisable to protect the limbs that are affected. For this, protectors suitable for both the animal and the disease can be used.

For example, knee protectors for dogs. Or, if the animal is already very old and suffers from advanced hip osteoarthritis, a wheelchair can help it maintain mobility. Even a suitable harness, with which dogs with mobility problems in the hind legs can achieve more stability.

16/05/2018/0 Comments/by Ortopedia canina

Learn how to help your dog regain lost mobility

Curiosities, Treatments

Do you want to make a summer getaway and relax in a privileged environment while you learn to help your pet recover lost mobility? Do you want to spend a few days interacting with animal lovers like you?

For the first time in Spain, Nancy Aidelman presents a course based on Feldenkrais, a technique that over the years has proven to be very useful in people with chronic pain and mobility problems. Now it is also applied in dogs, cats and horses with very good results. It is applicable to all types of dogs, of all ages and conditions. Do you want to know more about Feldenkrais?

If your dog feels tired after walking a few minutes, had an accident and is no longer the usual one or is simply older and can no longer move as before, with us you can learn to help him.

NANCY AIDELMAN

She is a teacher of the Feldenkrais method and Trainer of the Bones for Life Program. For more than a decade he has been dedicated to both techniques and helps people with motor deficiencies, pelvic floor problems and decalcification and dogs with mobility and pain problems. It also trains professionals.

HOW WILL WE DO IT?

Through our hands:

We will understand the reason for your dysfunction and weakness.
We will manipulate your joints, gently and with great patience.
We will organize your members in the most effective way.
We remind your brain of various movement patterns.

WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE?

Improve your mobility by recovering your nature pattern
Regain its stability by improving its activity.
Increase if vitality and joy.
Give back to our animal the quality of life it deserves with its typical cheerful and natural movement.

WHERE AND WHEN WILL WE DO IT?

In Omshanti. It is a farm dedicated to yoga, in the middle of nature with a large garden, fruit trees and swimming pool. Come with us to relax!

OmShanti Granollers. Camí de l’Estenoc s/n 08402. Les Franqueses del Vallès

How to get there?

11,12, 13 and 14 August 2014

From 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PRICE

Course: 250euros

Vegan lunch 4 days (optional): 50 euros

Accommodation of 3 nights (optional): 50 euros

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS

Maria Teresa Llobet. Call 687 26 26 24 or write an email to [email protected]

REGISTRATION CLOSED (03/08/14)

24/07/2014/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

The Feldenkrais method in dogs

Curiosities, Treatments

Feldenkrais® is a method that is based on the learning capacity of the Nervous System using movement and attention directed to the body as a vehicle to access the brain and its ability to create new neural connections and new movement patterns.

In this way, the brain is educated through the messages of the Nervous System. Postural habits are highlighted, new neuro-muscular schemes are investigated for a better availability of movement and the interconnections between the different parts of the body are discovered.

This method was developed over 40 years of study and research by PhD in Physics Moshe Feldenkrais (image). It is a revolutionary approach to understanding the functioning of the human being and to improving physical and mental performance. It uses movement to enhance our natural ability to discover, learn, change, and continue to develop throughout our lives.

In no case does it replace a medical treatment, it is an educational method. Their goal is to overcome pain and limitations and achieve a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being and vitality.

The sessions can be individual in which the teacher mobilizes the student’s body with his hands or group sessions in which the teacher verbally leads the students to perform simple but unusual sequences that involve thinking, feeling and acting imaginatively.

The Feldenkrais method can also be applied to animals, helping in cases of chronic pain and support alterations, such as cases of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis among many others.

In the Feldenkrais method in dogs, a teacher directs the owner, who is the one who applies the movements to the dog to the animal.

With the application of this method to the dog we will get:

Improve your mobility by recovering your natural pattern.
Regain its stability by improving its activity.
Increase your vitality and joy.

We hope you find it helpful.

Ortocanis.com Team

23/07/2014/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

When to use dog boots?

injuries, Sports

Dog boots are a great help both to prevent injuries and to help their healing.

Boots as prevention… in summer and winter

Spikes: in spring and summer. They are usually stuck between the fingers. Once they are nailed, due to their characteristic shape, they advance inland and can travel great distances and cause serious infections. In addition, stones, twigs, crystals,… all of this can injure your dog’s paws in the field.

Snow: Snow can lead to dermatitis and cracks in the pads. In dogs of small size even freezing of the final part of the paws). On sunny days, we should protect our dog’s pads as artificial pavements can be at very high temperatures.

Sport: intense exercise, especially on uneven terrain can wear down the pads of dogs, so it is recommended to protect them by using boots.

Boots as an aid in the treatment of wounds

Boots are a very good alternative to some bandages for injuries to the dog’s “feet”. They allow them to go more comfortable and, most importantly: they are easy to remove and put on, so we can see the status of the injury at any time and let it “breathe” from time to time.

Boots as an aid to dogs with reduced mobility

Boots become indispensable in dogs with movement problems, either due to hip dysplasia, a rupture of the cruciate ligament or, simply, advanced osteoarthritis. They allow dogs to have a greater grip on the ground, improve a lot when walking, and avoid injuries due to a “slip”. Especially important inside the houses, where stoneware or parquet usually slip. An alternative to conventional boots are rubber boots, which protect from aggressive surfaces allowing the dog to maintain sensitivity in the pads while improving their adhesion on sliding surfaces.

Do you want to see how dogs “manage” with rubber boots?

Laura Perez

Orthocanis Veterinarian

04/07/2014/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Osteoarthritis in dogs

Pathologies, Treatments, vet

Canine osteoarthritis is a very common disease in dogs. It appears as a result of the inevitable evolution of a joint that ages or becomes increasingly fragile due to trauma or malformation. This is a very painful condition that needs to be treated right away. It can affect all the joints of the body, both those found in the anterior and posterior extremities, as well as those that form the spine. In the case of senior dogs, the most common is that this disorder affects several joints at once.

The articular surface is covered by a tissue called cartilage, which plays a role very similar to the shock absorbers found in cars. In addition, it prevents the underlying bone from deteriorating due to the repeated rubbing to which it is subjected by continuous movement. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a progressive destruction of this cartilage and by an abnormal bone proliferation at the edge of the articular surfaces known as osteophyte, also called ‘parrot beaks’ when they are located in the spine. The affected joints lose elasticity, cause pain and prevent the animal from moving normally.

Evolution of deterioration
As a rule, this ailment affects, first of all, the high joints of the limbs: hips and knees, shoulders and elbows. Symptoms are more or less important depending on the number of joints affected. However, there is an unequivocal sign that makes us intuit that the animal is affected. Lameness usually manifests itself when the dog gets up and starts up after remaining immobile for a long time.

The pain prompts the animal to avoid support on the affected limb and, being impeded, stops running, and of course, jumping. As it evolves, the pain increases. When making certain movements, the dog emits small moans, it is even possible that the animal is irascible and tends to present aggressiveness when we try to manipulate the affected joint.

In more advanced cases, the joint may be partially blocked, making it impossible to perform certain movements. At this point, the animal hesitates to use the diseased limb. In addition, this lack of activity leads to a significant deterioration of the musculature surrounding the joint. As a result, the diseased area begins to atrophy, which increasingly complicates its use.

Two fundamental types
As a general rule we distinguish two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. The first type usually affects elderly animals and appears due to the normal aging suffered by the joints due to the passage of time. In fact, it is a progressive and inevitable wear of the articular cartilages. Usually, this type of osteoarthritis affects different points at the same time.

As far as secondary canine osteoarthritis is concerned, it appears as a consequence of a triggering factor, which causes the affected joint to stop functioning normally. For example, this type of osteoarthritis can appear due to trauma – a sprain, a fracture, etc. – or due to a birth malformation, such as hip dysplasia.

Another very common cause that causes the appearance of secondary osteoarthritis is obesity. If you do not control the diet your friend can have a weight well above the average that we find in the breed. The joints are not made to support such a significant overload of kilos, so they deteriorate easily. Unlike primary osteoarthritis, secondary osteoarthritis can affect animals of all ages and, as a general rule, usually affects only one joint.

Issue a diagnosis
The diagnosis of this disease can be based on three factors: the pathological history of the animal, gait examination and manipulation. When studying the history, the veterinarian must take into account old joint fractures, injuries that the animal has suffered a long time ago, as well as possible sprains. When observing the gait will look at whether the dog limps, even if only very slightly and incipiently, since lameness is an unequivocal symptom of the disease. Finally, when manipulating the affected area it is very possible for the animal to show signs of pain.

Often, the region in which the diseased joint is located is usually somewhat deformed due to osteophytes and muscle atrophy caused by the absence of physical activity. Many times a characteristic snap is detected when we move it. Through the radiological study, the animal health specialist will be able to determine the severity of osteoarthritis and establish the most appropriate treatment. Among the possible treatments, the appearance of specialized supports for some limbs that can effectively combat the deterioration of the animal’s quality of life stands out. The use of these supports is effective and has proven in countries such as the USA to be treatments as innovative as successful, however their use should be consulted with the veterinarian or animal physiotherapist.

Orthocanis Team

18/12/2012/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Cold weather in dogs with osteoarthritis

Curiosities, Pathologies, Treatments, vet

Cold weather and osteoarthritis in the dog

Osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative disease of the joints in dogs. Osteoarthritis causes pain, decreased joint range of motion, and joint inflammation.

The cold weather and especially the humidity, can increase the symptoms of this pathology, in autumn and winter is when dogs with osteoarthritis suffer the most.

Two types of osteoarthritis are distinguished, primary and secondary. The primary ones are degenerative, can affect more than one joint and are due to age and the “wear” of the joint. They are the typical osteoarthritis of the knee, carpus, tarsus and even spine that the elderly human population also suffers. Secondary osteoarthritis is due to joint misalignment that has prematurely worn down the articular cartilage. These occur after a fracture, especially if it has affected the joint, due to a bad joint disposition (demarcation): bad aplombs, or in the most common house secondary to hip dysplasia.

Photo: different joint protectors for dogs

Both in one case and in the other several things are recommended:

Strict control of the diet: the dog must be at its ideal weight, if it is overweight the joints suffer very significantly this excess.
Anti-inflammatory medication, now recommended NSAIDs cox-2 are new generation nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with far fewer side effects and more direct action on areas of pain.
Joint protectors: glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate…
Regular physical exercise: it is very important not to lose too much muscle mass, dogs with osteoarthritis usually weaken the muscles due to lack of use, this weakening and muscle atrophy worsens the picture
Sleep in padded beds, insulated from moisture and warm.
Joint protectors: supports to respect joint function.
Avoid exposure to cold and sudden changes in temperature: blankets to protect them from the cold and humidity can help us.

There are specific products to protect and support the joints of our animals, both for the protection of the tarsus and for the carpus.

You can also find blankets or coats for dogs that reflect the heat of the same animal and help in cases of osteoarthritis of the spine and hip. And special mattresses for the relief of the ailments of osteoarthritis in the dog. In the morning when the affected joint is cold and the animal has not moved for a long time, the symptoms will be more evident.

Back on Track products are made in Sweden and are made with so-called “smart textiles” or new generation unique textiles that have been developed on the basis of knowledge of ancient Chinese medicine along with the most modern research, as for the techniques applied to the textile industry, supported with scientific studies. The resulting product has been a fabric formed by an optimal fusion of polyester/polypropylene and ceramic particles.

Ceramics reflect body heat by restoring it in the form of infrared radiation. It is well known that infrared light has a calming effect as mild heat reduces inflammation, decreases muscle tension and improves blood circulation. The muscles in tension relax and the process of muscle recovery is accelerated, tendons, ligaments and joints injured and sore.

Photo: Thermal coat, protects from cold and humidity conserving the heat of the animal itself.

The essential function of tissue with ceramic particles is to prevent damage, as well as relieve and accelerate the process of recovery from injuries but it is also used to warm the muscles before exercise or physical work, thus eliminating the risks of pulls and fibrillar tears.

These products: Increase blood circulation, accelerate recovery from injuries, reduce inflammation, reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.

29/10/2012/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Tag Archive for: osteoarthritis