Arthritis in Dogs

Septic arthritis is a type of inflammation of the joint that is commonly seen after a traumatic injury that has exposed the joint to contamination by environmental microorganism, after surgery, or when microorganisms enter the joints through the blood stream. Infection of other body systems can be a source of these microorganisms ending up inside the joint fluid. Although infection of a single joint is common, more than one joint may be found to be affected in some dogs.

This disease is commonly seen in male dogs between the ages of four and seven years. Predisposed breeds include German shepherds, Dobermans, and Labrador retrievers.

Common symptoms include pain, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, joint swelling, lameness of the affected limb, affected joint is hot to the touch and inability to move the affected joint normally.

Dogs with weakened or abnormal immune system or diabetes in dogs are at higher risk of developing various infections, including septic arthritis. Other underlying factors and/or causes including opportunistic infections after injury, bite wound (e.g., fight with another animal), gunshot wound, or surgery, bacterial infections that have traveled from another location in the body and fungal infections.

Dogs with this disease are usually presented to veterinarians with symptoms of lameness. Your veterinarian will take a detailed history, including any incidents of previous injury, animal fights, or other illnesses. A detailed physical examination will help your veterinarian to establish if single or multiple joints are affected. Other dog diseases that can cause lameness will also be considered.

After taking the blood and joint fluid samples and confirming a diagnosis of bacterial infection, antibiotics will be given to counter the infection. Which antibiotic will work best for your dog will depend on the results of the culture and sensitivity testing, both of which will tell your veterinarian about the microorganism involved in the joint infection.

Arthroscopy -- a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision -- is another technique that can be used to allow for a close examination of the interior of the joint, and can also sometimes be used in the treatment of the interior of the joint. Compared to surgery, arthroscopy is a less invasive technique.

Prevention includes adding probiotics to their diet. Probiotics for dogs reduces bad bacteria and strengthens immune system to help in removal of toxins. With everyday use of this premium supplement it will return pet back to its proper homeostasis. The product OmNutra Pet Probiotics contains 3 billion CFU per scoop that helps reduce and eliminate a variety of pet health issues such as arthritis.