Arthritis detection - All Pets Animal Clinic

      Arthritis is one of the most common sources of chronic pain treated by veterinarians. Often resulting from elbow or hip dysplasia, this painful, degenerative joint disease can also be the result of the normal aging process, or due to accident or injury.
      Arthritis increases in severity as the disease advances from early stages into more advanced levels. So as a concerned owner, it's important that you know what to look for. An arthritic dog may exhibit one or more of these signs.

      Keep in mind, the sooner your dog is properly diagnosed and treated for arthitis, the better.

MILD	MODERATE	SEVERE
Slight stiffness and lameness when walking. Mild pain if the affected joint is touched. Licking of affected joint may occur. 10-20% loss in normal range of motion.	Increased stiffness and lameness. Shorter strides when walking. Obvious pain if the affected joint is touched. Occasional whining and/or whimpering. 20-50% loss in range of motion. Sitting preferred over standing. Reluctance to climb steps or jump up. Slow to rise from a resting position.	Reluctance to rise or walk more than five steps. Dog will not allow affected joint to be touched. Frequent whining and/or whimpering. Frequent licking of affected joint. More than 50% loss in range of motion. Noticeable behavioral changes. Increased difficulty in rising from a resting position.

You can reach us by E-Mail at:
Gary L. McCutcheon, D.V.M.
or Jennifer T. Canfield, D.V.M.