How can I keep my dog from getting arthritis in her knee?
We’re told her knee pops out of place and could lead to arthritis. We have already went through two leg surgeries with our other dog and it’s traumatizing for me and the dog. (I’m a mommy who gets nervous when her pets are in pain). Vet said “keep an eye” on the leg. How can we keep her leg healthy for as long as possible? Stop her from jumping too much? No running?
There’s no way you really can. The joint will deteriorate. You can add joint supplements to his diet but the best thing you can do is keep him as healthy as possible overall.
It sounds like you are talking about Patellar Luxation. Weight control is extremely important. You need to exercise her, but don’t overdo it. Yes – watch the running and jumping. Did the vet grade the knee?
For further reading:
http://www.webvet.com/main/2008/06/03/patellar-luxation-dogs-and-cats
http://www.vetinfo.com/dpatella.html
No think about it. What kind of life is it for your dog if he can’t run, play and jump. A knee that pops in and out is called a “Luxating Patella”. It’s very common, particularly in little dogs. I have a friend who has a papillion who had knee surgery for a luxating patella.
So, what I will suggest for now is that you make sure the dogs stays lean and fit, the less weight the dogs has to carry the better. Now, mind you, I’m not saying don’t feed the dog, I’m saying keep him at the appropriate weight for the breed or mix and well exercised. Swimming is another excellant exercise for dogs, it puts no pressure on the joints.
Now let me say, as a human who has severe knee issues, I would happily have a replacement tomorrow if I could, just to live a better quality of life. If I had a dog that needed sugery, be it a luxating patella, torn ACL or a hip replacement, I would do it without a second thought. I want my dogs to live a normal life to do what dogs do and to live without limitations to running, jumping and playing.
Though your claim to me a “nervous mommy”, it really ISN”T about you, but about your dog and what’s best for him. BTW, if the knee continues to pop in and out and surgery is not done, arthritis in the knee will develope, no question there.
google luxating patella.
“No running
No jumping
No playing”…
These are the instructions on top of my $3,000 vet bill
for exploratory knee surgery!
This is the only way you can keep your dog from further injury.
Have you spoken to the vet about injections of adaquan?
It is a proven way of assisting damaged cartilage to heal.
There are also many great leg braces that you can have your dog fitted with.
This will help the leg to stay stabilized while the dog is healing.
How do you keep a dog occupied?
With toys & treats that keep them focused.
Short leash walks to go to the bathroom only.
Cage confinement,
E collars if they chew or get hot spots.
Keep their beds clean & don’t let them jump on or off sofas, chairs or beds.
It’s a challenge & I’m currently housebound with an animal who has just had exploratory surgery.
We are in hock for many years because I allowed the dog to have free reign of the house & yard.
Never again will I use a laser light as a dog toy for exercise!
The doggie door has been locked & the dog is adapting to it’s new life.
We have had to watch his weight with a strict feeding schedule.
Talk to your orthopedic veternary surgeon for more ideas.
I had to build ramps for the 3 stairs & buy carpet runners to cover the floors to prevent the dog from slipping. He still tries to jump up to the windows when he hears a car.
His cage is taking over where the coffee table used to be.
It’s a daily challenge to find ways to keep a dog down & relaxed.
I couldn’t do it if we had other animals.
Good Luck & hang in there.
If you can’t build a ramp – use a towel to lift his hind end or front end off the ground as he goes up or down the stairs or walks on slick surfaces.
Dog leg pain will depend on the causes. Stop jumping and running is the good ways.
You can keep her calm by going on small walks were she can get rid of energy in a safer manner than running or jumping around. Swimming may also be good for her if you have access to water.
You may want to give her a liquid glucosamine supplement. You can easily put it directly on her food. This should help to repair damaged cartilage and promote new cartilage growth. It also stimulates synovial fluid, for added cushioning to the joints.
Good luck to you and your pup!
Perhaps a pet supplement?
Vet’s Best makes all natural supplements that address joint and hip pain, among others.
I’d recommend you check out what they’ve got, as there are a variety of items formulated to help dogs with problems like this one.
Best of luck!