What is Arthritis in Dogs and how Quincysdogs can help.

Arthritis is something that most dogs will get at some stage of their lives, and as this affects the joints, it makes the area quite swollen and is extremely painful for the dog.

The bones within a healthy dog would normally have smooth surfaces and fit perfectly within sockets. Whereas dogs with arthritis, the joints tend to be jagged and uneven. This causes them to rub against each other and is the cause of the swelling and discomfort. This is why they say that arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Over time, new bone forms around the affected areas that are rubbing, making it harder for the dog to move. This is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease.

You would imagine arthritis would only affect older dogs; however, this is not the case. Too much exercise at a young age can also cause the bones to grow abnormally, which can lead onto arthritis at an early age. Arthritis is hereditary or genetic. It is commonly seen that larger breeds of dogs will be more susceptible to arthritis than the smaller breeds. Being overweight is another contributing factor for the onset of arthritis.

Unfortunately, once your dog has arthritis and the cartilage has been damaged all you can do is manage the condition. This is not as drastic as it may sound for your dog to live a pain free life, but it is advisable to seek professional medical help in managing the arthritis.

There are various treatment options available and weight management is crucial as well as controlled exercise. Your veterinary practice can discuss various plans ranging from drug therapy, pain medication, anti-inflammatory pills and in addition alternative therapy such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. The type of drugs your vet may discuss to treat arthritis could be cartilage protectors, NSAIDS-anti-inflammatory drugs, and food dietary supplements to promote healthy joints.

If your suspect that your dog has Arthritis - it is recommended to go and see your vet immediately. The symptoms to look out for include Limping,

At Quincysdogs, we care for each and every dog and feel the anguish the owners go through. Our GenX harness was specifically designed as an aid for dogs suffering from ailments such as cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis, spinal injuries and much more.

The Genx harness is a strong and lightweight harness, which is extremely easy to put on and take off, with only two clips to attach. The harness has extra padding on the neck strap, chest strap and tummy strap, to avoid chaffing. There are strong padded handles on the front section of the harness and also on the rear section of the harness. Additionally, there is a D ring on both the front and rear of the harness.

When a cruciate ligament injury occurs the dog will bear most of their weight on the functioning rear leg. This is how very often within a year; the dog develops a similar problem on the good leg. To avoid the possibility of this happening, the dog would need assistance. The back handles on the GenX harness are designed so you as the walker can assist your dog on walks. By using the back handles you are able to support your dog, by taking some of the weigh off. For more information please contact us directly or look at our videos at www.quincysdogs.co.uk

Arthritis is usually seen in middle aged to older dogs

Which dog breeds are the most prone to a Cruciate Ligament injury?

Acute or traumatic cruciate rupture is caused by a twisting injury to the knee joint of the dog

All dogs are susceptible to cruciate injuries however; certain dogs are more prone than others.

Here is a list of the dogs more likely (but not limited) to suffer a cruciate ligament:-

· Labrador retrievers

· Newfoundlands

· Border Collies

· German shepherds

· Rottweiler’s

· Saint Bernard

· Bullmastiff

· Akita

...the list is endless

The main cause for cruciate ligament injury is through placing weight on one leg whilst at the same time twisting or turning, this prompts the tendons to expand ever so slightly and over time this leads to a strain injury inevitably with the tendon tearing or snapping completely. We have other blogs where the cruciate ligament injury in dogs is explained in more detail, how, please click the link to see how you are able to dog right now with the aid of our products... click here

What is a cruciate ligament injury in dogs and how Quincysdogs products can help your dog

When we talk about the cruciate tendon in canines this is very similar to the cruciate tendon in people. The tendon is tissue that links the top leg bone otherwise known as the thigh bone to the bottom bone known as the shin bone. The tendon itself is primarily made up of collagenous fibres. When this tendon is damaged the knee can become very unstable and limits the knee movement.

The purpose of this ligament is to allow the dog to control the back and forth motion of the knee, and essential to the function of the knee joint. A torn ligament would severely limit movement from the injured leg and a majority of the weight is shifted onto the good leg.

Without correct treatment and a good recovery it is highly likely within a year, your dog would develop a similar problem in the other knee.

All dogs are prone to cruciate ligament injuries and the best thing to do to prevent this from occurring, is to keep them at the right weight and sensible exercise. One of the most common causes is where the owner will throw a ball and when chasing the ball the dog does a sharp turn. It is best on this occasion to let the ball come to a rest and then allow your dog to retrieve the ball.

If your suspect that your dog has a cruciate ligament injury - ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) it is recommended to go and see your vet immediately. The symptoms to look out for include but not limited, limping after strenuous exercise in the park, difficulty in getting up when lying down, not putting weight on one leg, swelling in the knees and clicking.

There are two ways to treat a cruciate ligament injury and your vet will recommend the most appropriate based on the severity of the injury. One way is a non -surgical way known as ”conservative” treatment or the other option is through surgery. With the conservative treatment, this is rarely recommended by vets and is largely dependent on the size of the dog, weight and how server the tear is, the vets recommendation includes strict rest, pain relief, alternative therapy such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy and weight control. At Quincysdogs, we care for each and every dog and feel the anguish the owners go through. Our GenX harness was specifically designed as an aid for dogs suffering from ailments such as cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis, spinal injuries and much more.

The Genx harness is a strong and lightweight harness, which is extremely easy to put on and take off, with only two clips to attach. The harness has extra padding on the neck strap, chest strap and tummy strap, to avoid chaffing. There are strong padded handles on the front section of the harness and also on the rear section of the harness. Additionally, there is a D ring on both the front and rear of the harness.

When a cruciate ligament injury occurs the dog will bear most of their weight on the functioning rear leg.This is how very often within a year; the dog develops a similar problem on the good leg.To avoid the possibility of this happening, the dog would need assistance.The back handles on the GenX harness are designed so you as the walker can assist your dog on walks. By using the back handles you are able to support your dog, by taking some of the weigh off. For more information please contact us directly or look at our videos at www.quincysdogs.co.uk