What are the symptoms of canine rheumatoid arthritis?

The early symptoms of canine rheumatoid arthritis include wandering limp and swelling of the surrounding soft tissue of the joints, along with depression, fever, and anorexia. The limp varies in severity and occurs intermittently. In the middle stage of canine rheumatoid arthritis, the cartilage in the joints is further eroded due to repeated flare-ups, leading to peri-articular osteoporosis, transparency under the cartilage, and swelling. In the later stage, the joint cavity becomes narrower, margins erode, and there may be incomplete or complete dislocation.

Joint Disease Diagnosis

Examine your dog's body. If there is swelling in at least two joints, it could be a sign of joint disease. If your dog has joint disease, the swollen areas will have a certain degree of symmetry. Observe your dog's paws. If the joints are swollen, it could be arthritis. Your dog may seem stiff after waking up and take a long time to recover, which could also indicate arthritis.

Can joint disease be cured?

Canine joint disease usually does not resolve itself. The most common types of arthritis in dogs are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Generally, both conditions are treated with medication to control the progression of the disease, as well as supplements of chondroitin and glucosamine to improve symptoms. If left untreated, the symptoms of arthritis in dogs are likely to worsen.

Treating Joint Disease

If your dog is in severe pain due to arthritis, you can take it to the vet for pain relief injections, along with oral antibiotics or injections. You can also supplement with joint health products, glucosamine, chondroitin, and trace elements to assist in the treatment of arthritis. Always pay attention to your dog's diet, as overweight dogs are more susceptible to arthritis. Additionally, provide appropriate amounts of calcium and encourage daily exercise.