狗狗的關節炎 (上)

關節炎 對於年紀稍長的狗狗來說, 是一種很疼痛的毛病. 每五隻成犬之中, 就有一隻於老年時就會患上關節炎. 狗狗的關節炎基本上, 可以分為兩類, 退化性的關節炎, 及感染性腫痛的關節炎.

症狀

患上關節炎的狗狗, 他們會比平常睡得多, 對於日常的活動興趣會大減, 不太想走來走去. 以前會跳上梳化跳上床陪你的他, 現在會選擇扒在地上你的腳旁陪你. 嚴重的, 他走路時會一拐一拐, 側重另一隻腳. 痛楚亦可能會影響他們的食慾, 有些更會因而患上抑鬱症, 沒有耐性及容易發怒.

如果發現以上的症狀時, 就要問問他的醫生的意見喇~

下一篇 我會提供一些在家照顧關節炎狗狗的方法, 幫助大家減輕狗狗的痛楚. 請密切留意.

[原文]

 

Arthritis  is a very painful and common condition affecting older dogs. One in five adult dogs are affected by arthritis. Dog arthritis is one of the most common sources of pain that veterinarians treat every year. There are two common types of dog arthritis. These types are known as degenerative and inflammatory. They are diagnosed by their causes, and the canine arthritis symptoms for both are basically identical.

Weight gain/loss - Your dog may lose or gain weight if he is suffering from arthritis. He will likely sleep more than play and may lose interest in his daily walks. Depression is also a dog arthritis symptom - if your dog is suffering from this he may over or under eat as well.

 

Difficulty sitting or standing - Your dog may find it hard to get up and may not move right away. The first few steps may be painful and stiff. He may become uncomfortable while sitting and shift around a lot.

Decreased activity interest - Since your dog is in a serious amount of pain, he will likely not get very excited to play and run around. Your dog may want to stop and turn around during a routine walk. Even treats seem like a chore to your dog when he is dealing with arthritis.

Hesitancy to climb stairs or jump - Jumping up onto the couch may not be possible for a dog suffering from arthritis. You may notice your dog does not jump up to sit with you, and chooses to sleep on the floor instead. He may be hesitant to climb any stairs around the house as well. Sometimes a dog will simply refuse to climb the stairs at all.

Favoring a limb - This is known as limb lameness, and is a common symptom of canine arthritis. The lameness may come and go, and will likely switch between legs. This is known as shifting lameness. You may notice your dog limping as a sign of arthritis.

Sleeping often - Lethargy is very common during arthritis. Your dog may not want to move around and will sleep often to try to dull the pain of his swollen joints. 

Mood swings - Your dog may not want to play or listen when he is called. Because of the pain, he may become easily agitated if he is touched or forced into activity. Symptoms of these mood swings include growling, whining or nipping.

Arthritis pain may cause illness in your dog. This may lead to loss of appetite and fever. Another sign your dog may have arthritis is licking. Your dog may lick the sore area in attempt to ease the pain. If you touch the suspected area, it may feel warm and appear swollen from inflammation of the joint.

資料來源:
PetSci: http://petsci.co.uk/health-care/arthritis-in-dogs/
Dog Help Network: http://www.dogarthritisresource.com/