What is arthritis? Arthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints that results in pain and loss of joint function, subsequently affecting surrounding bones and tissues. Management requires a multifaceted approach, including medication to reduce and alleviate symptoms, and other management factors. Obesity is one factor that needs to be managed. Weight and arthritis: Normally, joints function well under balanced pressure from the animal's weight due to improved synovial fluid circulation, increased waste drainage, and nutrient flow. However, in overweight animals, excessive pressure on the joints can lead to damage to the cartilage surrounding the joints and eventually the development of arthritis. Body fat and arthritis: Studies have shown that animals with high levels of body fat produce higher levels of inflammatory mediators that affect cartilage, joints, and the synovial membrane, ultimately leading to joint degeneration and inflammation. Can weight loss help reduce joint inflammation? Research has shown that overweight animals experience reduced weight-bearing on their legs, while conversely, losing weight allows for increased leg weight-bearing and can reduce the severity or delay the onset of arthritis. In short, being overweight negatively impacts leg use and can predispose to arthritis. Therefore, owners should pay close attention to their pets, including providing appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, and regularly checking for any abnormalities related to arthritis.
Canine Hip Replacement Surgery: Advances in Dog Treatment for Improved Quality of Life. Hip dysplasia is a common disease in all dog breeds, ages, and sexes. Symptoms include difficulty walking, limping, dragging legs, and in some cases, bunny-hopping. In severe cases, dogs may stop walking altogether. Prolonged inability to walk can lead to muscle atrophy and permanent disability. The disease is often hereditary, present from birth. [Images of pre-operative and post-operative x-rays are included.] At what age should dogs be screened for hip dysplasia?
Long-term management of cats with cystitis to reduce the risk of recurrence has 3 simple principles: 1. Increase the amount of water. Increasing water intake is important to help dilute urine and increase the frequency of urination. This prevents cats from holding urine for too long. Roughly calculate by multiplying the cat's weight by 50 to equal the amount of water they should receive per day. 2. Reduce stress. There should be more toys or activities with the cat. Other environmental management such as having enough food bowls and water containers. The litter box should be in a quiet area for the cat to do its business. The cat litter must be scooped and cleaned every day. There should be at least one litter box per cat. Don't forget to separate cats that often fight to reduce stress. 3.…
Pyometra When you raise a female dog, you should know about this disease because it is dangerous and can cause our dogs to die. "Pyometra" is a reproductive system disease that is common in dogs and cats. This disease is caused by the hormone progesterone. When a female dog is out of heat, this hormone normally decreases. But in dogs that do not breed, this hormone induces the endometrial gland to enlarge, forming a sac called Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and also stimulates the production of more secretions in the uterus. The uterus during this period will contract less...
Dry Eye in Dogs (Dry Eye or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS) Another eye disease in dogs that we often encounter is dry eye disease, which is an abnormality of the tear film that coats the eyes, resulting in dry eyes, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Symptoms of dry eye disease include frequent blinking, large swollen blood vessels in the conjunctiva, swelling of the conjunctiva, protruding third eyelid, mucus or pus, cornea with blood vessels, pigmentation or ulcers…
Wet mange, or scabies, is one of the most common skin problems in dogs. Symptoms often include hair loss, itching, red and inflamed skin, a foul odor in some cases, and the appearance of bumps and scabs. Many people mistakenly think of mange as a serious condition. Mange is caused by external parasites, specifically mites, or scabies mites. These mites are a type of external parasite but are too small to be seen with the naked eye. There are two main types of mites that cause mange in dogs: Sarcoptes mites, which cause dry mange, and Demodex mites…