The healthy happy furry babies are always high in energy like walking, running, jumping with joy. There are times when the dogs are not enthusiastic about any activity. This could be a hint towards joint-related issues in cases where other signs of febrility are absent such as diarrhea etc., how do they manifest and what are the signs we could look out for.
Let us understand
The ability to move freely without any signs or evidence of discomfort. Mobility can be hampered due to ‘n’ several reasons such as hip-related issues, joint inflammation/infections, immune-mediated arthritis, fractures, dislocations, joint pain, trauma, etc. The signs of discomfort in cases of mobility issues vary from a wide range, starting from mild degree discomfort to severe mobility issues coupled with a severe level of discomfort.
Certain conditions are quite easy to diagnose such as fractures while some conditions such as mild hip dysplasia may be overlooked due to the cryptic nature of the discomfort, as the only signs pet parents notice are that of altered gait style. The signs which may help you regarding mobility issues:
1. Altered walking pattern:
As simple as this may sound, paying close attention to the walking style can act as an important key to determining the physical health status of your pet. Observe the way your dog walks, if they:
· Limp while walking
· If limping, which leg
· Notice your pet not placing one limb on the ground
· Not that enthusiastic about walking as they were before
· Not able to or not willing to walk for a long time
These are the signs of mobility issues [due to hip, bone, muscle, etc.
2. Reluctance to climb up/down:
If your pet is being lazy for being mischievous and is being sober, there is a chance your pet might be suffering from some joint/hip issue. Lameness is the term used for when the animal doesn’t wish to walk or is moving with difficulty. Lameness could be severe to very mild depending upon the severity of the disease.
3. Muscle Atrophy:
If you notice muscle mass reducing or have been reduced in size on one of the thigh-region that could be a hint towards muscle atrophy which is primarily due to disuse of that part.
4. Evident signs of Swelling/Pain:
The disease progresses rather quickly without giving you a longer time frame to analyze and work on. For instance, n cases of fractures or dislocations, there is swelling and pain becomes instantly visible on and around the affected area.
REASONS FOR MOBILITY-RELATED ISSUES?
The mobility disease process is as follows:
1. Joint-related issues [Arthritis]
2. Due to Lifestyle and habits
3. Due to Auto-immunity
4. Due to Trauma
Let us understand
1. JOINT RELATED ISSUES [ARTHRITIS]:
Joints are the structures that help align two bones and allow some degree of movement along the plane termed arthritis. Joint Inflammation and degeneration can be caused by trauma, infection, aging, etc. However, there are different types of arthritis such as:
1. Osteoarthritis
2. Immune-Mediated Arthritis
· Osteoarthritis is also called Degenerative Joint disease which as the name suggests is due to the degeneration of the joints. This condition is characterized by the thinning of cartilage, building up of synovial fluid within the joint, or in some cases, the diminished flow of synovial fluid causing the articular surfaces to rub against each other, and the formation of bony outgrowths or exostoses of the joint region.
· Immune-Mediated Arthritis refers to Rheumatoid arthritis. The term Auto Immunity means – ‘The body’s immune system starts reacting against self- body cells’
The Immune System of our body acts as a defense wall or fortress system against foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses dust particles, etc. Immune System cells will attack such foreign particles, kill them and then expel them out of the body.
2. LIFESTYLE AND HABITS:
The lifestyle and the habits affect the living beings. Obesity is one of the major factors for disease processes one of which is hip issues and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia is characterized by a loose joint followed by subsequent degenerative joint disease or otherwise termed as osteoarthritis. Too harsh exercise, poor nutrition, and hereditary factors contribute to the occurrence of hip dysplasia.
3. TRAUMA:
Direct trauma can lead to fractures, dislocation, lacerations, bruises which can affect the motility to a certain level. Which is again manifested in the commonly observed signs and symptoms
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis plays an important role in any treatment. If the causative agent is due to a motor car accident, we may look into fractures or bruises, etc. as the reason.
Some of the tests recommended by your vet.
1. X-RAY – An X-Ray would be warranted to rule out fractures or any bone deformities. X-rays are highly efficient in imaging the bones and bony processes and thereby help us to figure out where exactly the fracture or the bone deformity lies.
2. Blood test – to rule out any infections which can affect the mobility of the dog. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis, a special blood test to check out for “Rheumatoid Factor” can be done too.
3. Synovial Fluid Test – This is present in the joints of all animals including humans acting as a shock absorbent, which helps in the maintenance of proper movement and mobility of the joints which of course has a huge role to play as it also helps in locomotion. The fluid is usually cloudy in appearance and is of a thinner consistency than normal in such cases of arthritis
4. Biopsy of tissue and CT scans can also aid in diagnostics.
RECOVERY PROCESS
Sometimes due to genetic factors coupled with poor habits and obesity, these diseases can eventually get triggered in the younger group of dogs. Observe your pets and provide them with good medical facilities and treatment. Let’s discuss the medical treatment options:
1. CHANGE OF HABITS AND LIFESTYLES: A minor change every day on a small-scale basis can help your pets in the long run. Lifestyle invariably is coupled or intertwined massively with diseases and disorders, opting healthier lifestyle. If your pet has been diagnosed with let’s say, hip dysplasia, for instance, your Vet may suggest you alter your dogs’ feeding habits, and losing weight could ultimately prove to be helpful in the long-term management of such disorders. Be strict and ignore the puppy eyes!
2. LIMITING UNWANTED STRESS ON JOINTS: Jumping, running excessively, straining joints is not acceptable when in case your pet has joint-related issues. Until recovery or until the major signs of joint pain and discomfort subsides, ensure that your pet has limited physical activities.
4. JOINT SUPPLEMENTS: One important tool which provides necessary elements which help comfort, subside signs, and improve the standard of living extensively.
5. HOMEOPATHIC SUPPLEMENT: I & My mobility Pet supplementation is very useful for the pets showing symptoms of articular or muscular rheumatism with or without inflammatory and febrile complaints. Other symptoms are also managed.
Mobility impacts the lifestyle of our furry paws tremendously. It is quite a challenge to aid our ailing pet. With prompt diagnosis, prompt treatment, or management, we can fight this battle easily. One thing which we often learn from these voiceless animals is that they never give up, nor do they ever cease to be happy. Let us make our furry kids safe and healthy from the mobility issue, ensure that you celebrate with great joy and of course, with walking an extra mile just to enjoy the sunset with movement and mobility at its best.
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