How to Treat Dog Cartilage Disease

Firstly, expose your dog to sunlight: Try to let your dog sunbathe as much as possible. Sunlight can prompt dogs to synthesize vitamin D, which plays an important role in the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Medicine: Administer vitamin D preparations, which can be taken orally or injected intramuscularly, but be cautious not to overdose. You can also appropriately add fish liver oil to your dog's diet. Supplement calcium: Add bone meal or fish meal to your dog's food, or give them calcium carbonate or lactate calcium orally.

Causes of Dog Cartilage Disease

Cartilage disease is a bone weakening disease that occurs in puppies during their developmental stage. It is mainly caused by insufficient or imbalanced intake of calcium and phosphorus, lack of vitamin D and ultraviolet rays, and hereditary vitamin D metabolic abnormalities. In some cases, it is also caused by increased calcium and vitamin D requirements due to lactation and pregnancy.

Symptoms of Dog Cartilage Disease

The main symptom is limping, which gradually worsens, presenting as persistent limping and weakness when standing. joints may become stiff after rest or exacerbate limping after exercise. The range of motion of the affected joint decreases, and joint flexion and extension are painful, with the shoulder joint being more prominent. In chronic cases, a cracking sound can be heard when the joint is moved, and muscle atrophy may occur, eventually leading to the dog being unable to get up.

How to Treat Dog Cartilage Disease

If the condition is not severe, conservative treatment such as taking joint strengtheners can be adopted. Allow your dog to rest appropriately during treatment, but don't let them become completely inactive. Encourage your dog to engage in suitable exercises. This can help promote healing as the affected area comes under pressure from the corresponding joint. If there is pain, you can administer anti-inflammatory painkillers. If the condition is severe, surgery may be required to remove the diseased cartilage and free cartilage fragments. It is best to perform surgery as early as possible.