Simplified diagram of the structure of a joint
- Bone epiphysis.
- Articular cartilage covering the surface of a bone, allowing a frictionless connection.
- A synovial cavity filled with fluid that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.
- The synovial membrane is a thin lining that covers the entire cavity, with the exception of areas of cartilage.
- A capsule in which the entire structure is hermetically enclosed.
Cartilage and synovium contain special cells. They synthesize synovial fluid and also provide nutrition and metabolism. When the disease occurs, the functions of the membranes and cartilage are disrupted. The condition of the joint is negatively affected by both an increase in the amount of intra-articular fluid (usually in the acute stage of the disease) and a decrease (in chronic diseases).
The acute form of the joint disease is manifested by severe pain, fever, swelling in the bend of the limb and below. As a rule, this is typical for injuries and some infectious lesions. Acute processes are mostly reversible, and the disease can be managed with timely help from a doctor. But if treatment was not prescribed or was prescribed incorrectly, irreversible changes are possible.
In most chronic diseases, a decrease and thickening of the synovial fluid is observed. Further development of the pathology leads to the destruction of the cartilage itself. The articular surfaces of the bones begin to rub against each other, which is accompanied by impaired mobility, inflammation, pain, lameness and other manifestations. Symptoms increase gradually, so there is a danger of noticing the disease too late. Chronic joint diseases are often characterized by periodicity, when lameness appears and disappears. But during the apparent recovery, the process continues, and the symptoms intensify with each new exacerbation.
The causes of joint diseases are very diverse. These include:
- age-related degenerative changes;
- trauma and microtrauma;
- various infectious diseases;
- chronic pathologies;
- autoimmune diseases;
- genetic predisposition;
- excessive non-functional physical activity (including excess weight);
- irrational use of certain medications;
- metabolic disorders, etc.
Why and when you need to anesthetize your dog
Pain is a signal of threat. The body tells the brain that there is a problem in a certain area. This natural mechanism allows you to pay attention to injury or illness in time. In this regard, animals are no different from humans.
The signaling function is certainly necessary, but the pain is not always short-term. And prolonged, non-stop experience of pain is fraught with additional negative consequences. This depletes the nervous system, and against the background of constant stress, the immune system is suppressed, which significantly increases the risk of developing other diseases.
The dog must be relieved of pain or at least alleviate its suffering under two main circumstances:
- very strong, sharp pain;
- long-term or chronic pain.
In the first case, even anaphylactic shock is possible, so the use of painkillers is vital. In the case of constant pain, you need to give the dog a break from daily torment.
How can chondroprotectors help?
Typically, chondroprotectors include those substances that are normally found in cartilage and synovial fluid, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, etc. In chronic pathologies, their deficiency is observed. By replenishing losses by introducing medications, we help stimulate the synthesis of cartilage components and synovial fluid, stop degenerative processes and normalize metabolism in the joint. Also, chondroprotectors have a depressing effect on cell-destructive enzymes, which are present in excess in the cavity of the diseased joint.
The use of chondroprotectors in the treatment of joint diseases makes it possible to slow down the development of the process, reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint mobility, and prevent serious complications.
Chondroprotectors do not provide an immediate effect. To obtain noticeable improvements, a course of use of the drug is required. The effect of using the product depends on the diagnosis, age of the animal, stage of the disease and some other factors. As a rule, in young individuals, cartilage restoration occurs faster; in older individuals, it is more about slowing down destructive changes.
In case of serious and long-term diseases, when cartilage is almost completely destroyed, chondroprotectors are ineffective. Only surgery can save him.
How to use chondroprotectors?
Drugs with chondroprotective effects have been used in veterinary medicine for a long time. They are most often prescribed to dogs and horses. The most effective are intra-articular injections, which allow the necessary substances to be delivered directly to the destination. But intra-articular injections place increased demands on the technique of drug administration, asepsis and antiseptics and are associated with a high risk of introducing pathogenic microflora.
Intramuscular injections are easier to perform, but during a course of treatment a certain risk is also possible, for example, the appearance of hemorrhages (bleeding) at the injection site.
All types of injections should only be performed by a specialist.
Oral administration (in the form of powders, capsules, tablets) is convenient for the owner and the animal. The course of taking a feed preparation is usually longer than the cycle of injections. Sometimes taking the medicine is accompanied by unwanted reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.
External application of chondroprotectors in the form of ointments, creams and gels is also used. Local application has its advantages:
- Anyone can apply the medicine;
- minimal stress for the animal;
- the drug enters the joint area without damaging the skin;
- There are practically no contraindications or side effects;
- can be used as an addition to primary therapy.
“Alezan”, a cream for joints, is an original drug that is recommended for use in dogs in the complex treatment of joint diseases, as well as for prevention. This product is based on natural ingredients and includes glucosamine, collagen hydrolyzate, mumiyo and herbal extracts. Alezan cream reduces inflammation and nourishes joint tissue, has high penetrating ability, and does not contain synthetic dyes or flavors.
Symptoms and diseases of the joints. Causes of occurrence and how to treat them.
One of the main causes of daily suffering for our pets is diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Usually it all starts with a slight lameness, the dog has difficulty getting up, and may whine.
Causes
Problems with the musculoskeletal system can occur at any age. Predisposing factors are:
- Breed predisposition
- Bad heredity
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Metabolic disease
- Infections
Problems of puppies during the period of active growth
During the period of intensive growth of the puppy, the entire musculoskeletal system - muscles, ligaments, joints, bones - undergoes significant changes. During this period, puppies actively grow and develop, and their skeleton is formed. Most often, it is at this age that defects of the musculoskeletal system appear. Abnormal development is characterized, as a rule, by pathological changes in bone and cartilage tissue.
It is during this period that a very common problem, especially for large breed puppies, is weakness of the ligamentous apparatus. As a rule, the first manifestations are noted after 4 months. The earliest signs may be the so-called “sunken pasterns.” The reasons may be excess weight, poor nutrition, lack of adequate physical activity, slippery flooring, as well as congenital predisposition.
Dysplasia
Young dogs of large breeds often suffer from dysplasia. With this pathology, improper formation of the joint occurs, the head of the joint does not fit tightly to the articular cavity, and during movement it moves relative to it. When moving, the cartilage tissue is erased, flattening and deformation of the joint occurs. As a rule, the hip joints are often affected, less often the elbow joints. With dysplasia, the animal experiences severe pain, which prevents it from leading an active lifestyle.
Discopathy
In chondrodystrophic dog breeds, which include dachshund, basset, bulldog, beagle and some others, there is a risk of intervertebral disc displacement (disc herniation, discopathy), which increases even more after the dog reaches the age of five.
The main function of intervertebral discs is to distribute the load on the spine. With discopathy, degenerative changes in the tissue between the vertebrae occur, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, becomes deformed, and shifts, which causes compression of the spinal cord and nerves. As a result, the animal experiences excruciating pain and its motor activity is severely limited.
Arthritis
One of the most common diseases in dogs is arthritis. Arthritis is a collective name for inflammatory diseases. With inflammation, the elasticity of cartilage tissue decreases and the synovial membrane of the articular surfaces is affected. Inflammation occurs, which spreads to surrounding tissues. This causes pain and swelling.
The danger of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is that they are asymptomatic for quite a long time. An attentive attitude towards your four-legged companion will allow you to quickly recognize the problem and begin to treat it as early as possible.
What symptoms should alert the owner?
- Refusal of outdoor games. If activity has decreased and the dog prefers to lie down instead of walking, this is a reason to contact the veterinarian.
- Lameness. Lameness often occurs immediately after sleep and goes away after some time.
- Change in gait. If there are problems with the musculoskeletal system, the firmness of the gait may change, the dog may stagger, and the position of the limbs may change.
- Whining. When moving, unpleasant sensations arise; the dog may whine while walking.
- Unnatural posture. In an effort to get rid of pain, the dog may take unnatural positions.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek qualified help. The veterinarian will conduct a full examination of the animal, take an x-ray and make a diagnosis.
Today, there is a fairly wide range of drugs and methods that allow you to cope with ailments such as arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondropathy, dysplasia, etc. It is now quite possible to help your pet and give him months, or even years, of a happy life. Antibiotics, hormones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most often used for treatment. But these drugs have quite a lot of contraindications, as well as unwanted side effects. In contrast to these agents, Chondartron ® has a specific effect on cartilage tissue and tendon-ligamentous apparatus.
Chondartron® reduces inflammation, promotes the production of synovial fluid, which ensures smooth gliding of articular surfaces; accelerates the recovery of the tendon-ligamentous apparatus.
Its use is necessary in all cases where arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, synovitis are detected, as well as for sprains, tendonitis, and tendovaginitis. The undoubted advantages of the drug are the absence of contraindications and side effects, as well as the ability to reduce the drug load on the body.
In what cases are chondroprotectors prescribed?
Typically, chondroprotectors are prescribed to dogs:
- for degenerative joint diseases;
- sprains and ligament tears;
- overweight;
- limb injuries;
- metabolic disorders leading to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body;
- age-related changes that cause problems associated with the functioning of the joints;
- large breed puppies during the period of bone formation;
- for puppies with erect ears to strengthen the ear cartilage, etc.;
- for the prevention of joint diseases in animals at risk.
Important!
- Chondroprotectors are prescribed by a veterinarian. If you want to take a preventive course for your dog, be sure to get a consultation.
- Chondroprotectors are effective only when used as a course.
- Treatment of joint diseases should not be limited to taking chondroprotectors. To relieve inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed, and for infectious lesions - antibiotics. Always strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor!
- In addition to medications, dosed physical activity is very important for dogs with joint diseases. Ask your veterinarian which type of exercise is contraindicated and which is recommended for your pet. Sometimes climbing stairs, jumping over obstacles, long running, etc. are prohibited.
What is osteoarthritis or arthritis in dogs and cats?
The most common is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. This form of the disease is characterized by a progressive, constantly deteriorating condition of the joint cartilage. It can develop as a result of injury or congenital pathologies of the joints. Such as elbow or hip dysplasia. This disease is completely incurable. However, it is possible to control symptoms and pain.
Often arthritis in dogs and cats occurs due to injury. This is the so-called traumatic arthritis. In this case, the cause is injury or sprain of the joint. There is a mechanical impact on the joint - bruise, blow, sprain. Traumatic arthritis is eliminated quickly and goes away without a trace. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be prescribed to treat it. For example, carprofen (rimadil/norocarp) and meloxicam (loxicom, meloxidil). The course of treatment is selected individually for each type of animal. His age and existing chronic diseases are taken into account.
Immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs and cats is a disease that affects multiple joints. In this case, white blood cells called neutrophils penetrate into the joints. They release biologically active substances into the joint and cause swelling, pain and many other symptoms.
Immune-mediated polyarthritis can be erosive or non-erosive. In the non-erosive form, there is no destruction of bone or cartilage. In the erosive form, the bones and cartilage in one or more affected joints are destroyed. The erosive type is very similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Fortunately, erosive polyarthritis is rare in pets. In total, less than 1% of all registered cases are observed. The non-erosive form of arthritis can occur in dogs regardless of breed, size or gender. It is most common in dogs between 4 and 6 years of age and is rare in cats.
Treatment of this type of arthritis is quite complex and is selected individually for each patient.
Septic arthritis in dogs and cats occurs due to infection (bacterial or fungal) entering the joint. Treatment is carried out with antimicrobial drugs after identifying the pathogen. Antibiotics may be used. For example, lincomycin, ceftriaxone, enrofloxacin or baytril. Usually in combination with NSAIDs - carprofen (Rimadyl, Norocarp), meloxicam (Loxicom), firocoxib (Previcox).