Tag Archive for: dog pathologies

Lameness, although we usually relate it to older dogs or that are close to it, the truth is that it can appear at any age. However, it can be due to specific pathologies. Here we leave you the causes of lameness in young dogs.

Why does lameness appear in young dogs?

Lameness is a problem that occurs in dogs very frequently. The origin of this can be found in the bones, cartilage, joints and even the hip. To determine its cause, we will not only have to take into account the age of the animal and its lifestyle, but we will also have to value the presence of certain pathologies or diseases.

Although in many cases the cause can be the same at any age, today we are going to talk about the causes of lameness in young dogs. However, whenever we observe problems walking, it is convenient to go to the veterinarian.

Causas de una cojera en los perros jóvenes

canine panoaestheitis

This inflammatory-type disease is one of the causes of lameness in young dogs. Its origin is found in the bones, especially the humerus. It occurs mainly in large and giant breeds due to their own growth.

Symptoms include weakness and a limp that can alternatively affect both legs. For the diagnosis, an X-ray will be performed that will allow us to see the affected parts inside the bone. It usually disappears when the animal reaches adulthood, so only anti-inflammatories are administered.

Avascular necrosis in the femur

This cause of lameness in young dogs also occurs in humans. The head of the femur is disappearing for reasons that are not fully known. It most often affects small dog breeds, although it also affects some large ones. Usually between four and six weeks of age.

To diagnose it, it will be necessary to observe lameness in young dogs with support and a progressive increase in pain. The kneecap of that leg will be elevated from its normal position. Initially it may be mild but in one or two months it will intensify. An X-ray makes it possible to verify it. The treatment is surgical, and consists of joining the tibia with a band and nails.

hypertrophic osteodystrophy

The third cause of lameness in young dogs comes from feeding. Imbalances in the diet cause abnormal bone proliferation to occur. The limbs swell and fever also appears. It is very painful.

To treat this lameness in young dogs, which are usually large breeds, the diet is modified and anti-inflammatories are administered. It can take months for the problem to be fixed.

Osteochondritis dissecans

The cause of this lameness in young dogs is a crack in the cartilage of the joint. By losing the liquid that is inside, it touches the bone and inflammation occurs. It can appear on the knee, elbow or shoulder, among others. Surgical intervention is usually necessary, in addition to using protections, such as chondroprotectors .

Patella dislocation

The last of the causes of lameness in young dogs is dislocation. Both due to a blow and genetics, the patella moves out of place. It is more frequent in small breeds and the symptomatology is jumping when walking. By palpating the joint it can be easily detected. Depending on the severity of the lameness in young dogs, surgery may be required. If it is mild, anti-inflammatories and chondroprotectors will suffice.

And so far the causes of lameness in young dogs. Remember that blows, accidents or excessive activity can also cause it. In any case, the veterinarian will be the one who can tell us the reason and its treatment.

There are several factors why a dog may have trouble walking. When evaluating a pathology, we must take into account, among other things, the age of the animal, since on some occasions, such as in elderly dogs, the main reason may be age itself. But what other causes can there be?

Causes of walking problems

Depending on the rhythm of life that our dog leads, it is possible that he will experience localized pain for a few days. Just as it happens to us, excessive exercise can cause tiredness and weakness. This will cause us to have trouble walking.

However, when the pain lasts for more than a couple of days, we should go to the vet. There they will make an assessment and proceed with the diagnosis. Some of the most common causes of walking problems are the following.

Razones por las que un perro tiene problemas para caminar

injuries

In addition to an unseen fracture or torn tendon, walking problems can also be caused by a back or spinal cord injury. This usually appears due to trauma, a stroke or damage to the discs.

When a dog’s spinal cord or spine is inflamed or injured, the hind legs may show signs of weakness or instability. This will inevitably cause problems walking. If our dog has not suffered an accident but is in this situation, we must go to the vet as soon as possible.

degenerative myelopathy

This disease is another reason why a dog may have trouble walking. Especially in adult dogs , the fibers that send signals to the brain for leg movement are gradually being destroyed. The cause is the deterioration of the spinal cord itself.

Dogs with myelopathy do not experience pain, but the disease directly affects mobility. The legs lose strength and the animal is not able to walk normally or stand for long. Currently there is no cure for this disease, but physiotherapy and holistic medicine can relieve symptoms.

Diabetes

Females are more prone to diabetes, which can also cause walking problems. Although some breeds such as Goldens, German Shepherds or Schnauzers are more prone, it can affect anyone.

To avoid diabetes, it is advisable not to give dogs foods rich in sugar. Since they are capable of eating anything, it is very common for many owners to share their food. But we must not forget that some apparently harmless foods that they also like are toxic to them. To determine if diabetes is the cause of walking problems, an analysis is enough.

osteoarthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are other reasons why dogs can have trouble walking. Adult dogs and large breeds are usually the ones who suffer the most from this disease. It usually affects the hip and knee joints, deteriorating cushioning and causing pain.

Some medications in addition to physical therapy can relieve symptoms. Thus, our friend will be able to maintain an optimal quality of life and reduce his problems walking.

The causes of walking problems are wide and varied. In any case, if we observe that our dog spends more than two days without being able to move normally, it is best to go to the vet. The sooner we detect the problem, the sooner we can fix it.

Ortocanis: Ayudas para perros con movilidad reducida

Our friend’s health care doesn’t start when he starts to deteriorate. Throughout his life we must take measures so that in his last stage he can enjoy good health. To do this, we leave you some tips to strengthen the joints of a dog.

Cómo fortalecer las articulaciones de un perro

What are the joints of a dog

Joints are a structure that functions as the union of two bones. These are composed of various parts: the capsule, cartilage, synovial membrane, tendons and ligaments, mainly. Each type of joint varies from the others.

All of them are what allow us mobility, therefore, when they begin to deteriorate, movement is reduced and pain is experienced. Their wear prevents them from absorbing the impact when moving. For this reason, it is convenient to strengthen the joints of a dog since it is healthy. This will prevent them from degenerating precipitously and causing discomfort.

Below we are going to know some tips that will help us strengthen the joints. Following them throughout their lives, we will be able to improve the quality of it. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure.

Tips for strengthening a dog’s joints

With these simple but effective tips we will be able to strengthen the joints of our dog and improve their overall health. Start putting them into practice now and don’t wait until it’s too late.

Control weight

The main reason why the joints suffer is excess weight. This overload weakens them and increases the pain felt when they wear out. Therefore, to strengthen the joints of a dog, we must control its feeding.

As with humans, the metabolism slows down with age, so as this progresses, we must reduce the caloric intake. If we are used to also giving it our food, we must bear in mind that although it is a whim, it also increases the total calories it ingests.

Improves your diet

Although feed preparations contain all the necessary nutrients, sometimes it is convenient to take supplements that help us strengthen the joints. Especially when it comes to dogs of advanced age or susceptible to suffer this type of pathologies.

L-carnitine and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are very important for strengthening joints from within. Protein-rich foods, such as meat or fish, help nourish the collagen found inside them.

As far as oils are concerned, coconut, flaxseed or Krill are very good for strengthening joints. Check with your veterinarian or at your pet store if you have questions about which foods to choose.

Exercise frequently

The fact that dogs are domesticated and accustomed to living in houses, does not mean that they can have a sedentary life like many people. Animals need to walk several times a day and perform activities such as running and playing. Not only will they feel happy, but it will also help strengthen the joints.

If we keep our dog in shape from a young age, his muscles will be stronger and will be able to better support the joints. When your age is older, your activity level will be milder, but you will also enjoy running. Remember that strengthening the joints will save us many future problems.

With these simple tips we can make an important difference in the health of an animal. Strengthening our dog’s joints is practically an obligation as owners. In addition, the hours of play will improve the bond between the two.