Dogs With Arthritis: What is Arthritis?

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Arthritis comes in two major forms: 

1. Degenerative joint disease, also called Osteoarthritis
2. Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is the reason you need to get your dog's arthritis checked by your vet. It is a serious condition that must be treated by antibiotics prescribed by your vet.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type and occurs because of deterioration of the cartilage and bone in the joints. The joints are also lubricated with synovial fluid, which thins as your dog ages. With the loss of this fluid, any movement then becomes bone on bone, creating the pain that reduces your dog's mobility.

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Causes of Osteoarthritis:

• Ageing - the deterioration in your dog is often just a natural part of the aging process.
• Genetics - larger breeds of dogs often have worse arthritis or inherited defects, such as being prone to hip dysplasia, etc.
• Accidents - if your dog has suffered a fall, broken bones or another type of injury at any point in their life, they may develop arthritis in the affected joints.

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~The Get Up and Go! Team