Have you observed any of these signs of canine osteoarthritis in your dog?
If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, ask your veterinarian to examine your dog for osteoarthritis.
Changes in activity:
- Difficulty rising from a resting position
- Lying down or resting more than usual
- Stiffness after exercise
- Reluctance to exercise for as long as usual
- Trouble climbing stairs
- Limping
- Difficulty walking, running or jumping
Changes in behavior:
- Decreased appetite or lack of interest in food
- Aversion to touch
- Unexplained change in behavior
Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is estimated to affect 1 in 5 adult dogs (aged one year or more). Canine OA is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects the soft tissues and the bones of a joint, causing pain and decreased flexibility. While mixed-breeds and dog of any size, age or weight can show signs of OA, older dogs and larger breeds- such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes and St Bernards- have higher incidence of the disease, however, OA can also occur in small and toy breeds.
What causes canine Osteoarthritis?
The most common form of OA is “secondary osteoarthritis”, which can be related to age, injury, inflammation or obesity, among other factors.
How is Canine Osteoarthritis diagnosed?
In addition to observing behavioral clues of your dog, your veterinarian has several diagnostic tools available for determining whether your dog has arthritis, including:
- Orthopedic examination to ascertain the presence of joint pain, swelling and/or tenderness
- Radiographs (X-rays) to access bone changes
How is Canine Osteoarthritis managed?
Although research is ongoing, OA cannot be cured at present. The good news is effective treatments are available. These focus on reducing pain and inflammation, slowing the progression of the disease, facilitating the repair of damaged tissues and maintaining or improving joint function. Veterinarian may recommend a combination of the following:
- Weight control
- Dietary change
- Controlled exercise and physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (Eg. Previcox®)
- Chondro-protective supplements (Eg. GlycoFlex®)
How does GlycoFlex® helps in Canine Osteoarthritis
GlycoFlex® contains unique combination of GlycOmega™ (Perna Green Lipped Mussel from an exclusive New Zealand source) plus DMG, Glucosamine, MSM and other active ingredients that have been proven beneficial for dogs requiring joint support. Green lipped mussel is rich in amino acid (building blocks that make up the core of connective tissue), polypeptides, chelated minerals, fatty acids (essential for producing and rebuilding new cells) and vitamins. GlycoFlex® provides excellent support for joint and its connective tissue according to the severity of canine osteoarthritis. GlycoFlex® II and III are designed for different stages of joint condition.
GlycoFlex® is available in all major veterinary clinics. Get your dog’s joint support from them now!
