Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

Arthritis does occur in dogs and cats.  It actually is more common in dogs.  Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint.  There are different kinds of arthritis, osteoarthritis, feline arthritis, canine arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

For cats many times, the arthritis can be more advanced in the disease process, before it is diagnosed.   Watch your senior cat for limping or favoring a limb, or seeming stiff after taking one of their famous “cat naps”.  They may be reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or may even cry out with pain.  These could be signs of arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by a problem with the bone.  Feline arthritis and Canine arthritis are caused by an infection, whether it is bacterial or septic.  With rheumatoid arthritis, the body is attacking itself.  This type is known as an Auto Immune Disorder.

With Feline Arthritis or Canine Arthritis, the bones are damaged by cartilage degeneration.  In the normal animal or person, the cartilage acts as a cushion to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other with movement.  When the cartilage is destroyed or diminished, the results can be very painful because bone is rubbing against bone, without the advantage of the cushion of the cartilage.  When white blood cells are sent to the area, they can release enzymes and free radicals that make things worse.  The free radicals can be diminished or eliminated by having your pet on a good antioxidant.  Vitamin C helps to act as an antioxidant.

Different Areas Affected By Arthritis

The joints that are usually affected by arthritis are with hip dysplasia.  This occurs as a malformation of the hip sockets, which allows excessive movement in the joint, causing frequent or chronic inflammation.  This problem used to be seen more in the larger breeds, but is now seen in many size breeds.

Dislocation of the kneecap is caused by a malformation of the leg bones which causes the kneecap to be pulled out of its proper alignment  frequently.  Low grade inflammation occurs as a result of the kneecap slipping in and out of position.  Small breed dogs have this problem more often.  It relates to low quality food and poor breeding practices.

Degeneration of the shoulder joint is caused by the destruction of the cartilage in the shoulder joint.  This causes pain on movement and inflammation of the joint.  This condition can be found in medium to large breeds of dogs.

Arthritis of the elbow is believed to have a hereditary component.  This condition is also caused by improper bone formation.  Many times the German Shepard breed is plagued with this disorder.  It too is a chronic disease process.

Swelling and pain in the leg bones is seen in young dogs, even when they are only a few months old.  This problem relates to hereditary, but also indicates poor production of vitamin C.  It is the result of poor nutrition and heredity.

Prevention Of Arthritis

MOST OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD BE PREVENTED BY PROPER NUTRITION OF THE FEMALE DURING HER PREGNANCY! Feeding your pregnant cat or dog a natural, wholesome diet is the best way to prevent these arthritic conditions.  Avoid commercial dog foods.  Homeopathic treatment will also reduce the chances of the problems occurring in the next generation.  The mother should not receive any vaccinations during the pregnancy as well.

The regular use of vitamin C with your pet helps minimize or prevent some of the problems.  The suggested dosages are from 250 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day.  A small puppy, (like a Pekinese) would get 250 mg, and a larger puppy, (like a German Shepard) would get 500 mg.  When the dog reaches maturity, the recommended dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg  for most sizes.  Great Danes or Saint Bernards may even need  1,000 mg to 2,000 mg per day.

Prevention is so very important because once the joint is deformed or damaged it will stay that way.