Is Your Dog At Risk for Osteoarthritis?

Provided by: ARA

(ARA) - While 10 million dogs currently suffer from the chronic pain of osteoarthritis, it is now understood that millions more may be at risk of developing the disease. While many dog owners think the disease only affects older animals, veterinarians point to things you wouldn't necessarily think of as leading risk factors: obesity and breed.

Research now confirms what many veterinarians have believed for years -- overweight dogs are at greater risk for arthritis. Dr. Brian Beale, a veterinary surgeon and canine arthritis expert at Houston's Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, says that obese dogs can develop arthritis sooner than lean dogs. An estimated 15 million U.S. dogs are considered overweight, and they comprise the largest group of dogs at risk for canine arthritis.

A dog's breed can also greatly affect the chance of developing the painful disease. Seventy-percent of the 16 million golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds (the country's three most popular breeds) are genetically predisposed to the disease.

"Dogs experience pain the same way humans do, and arthritis pain is the most common form of pain they encounter," says Beale. "Unfortunately, many dog owners don't realize their pets are suffering."

Beale says the signs are often subtle and easily overlooked or misinterpreted. Symptoms of pain may include limping; difficulty moving, walking, running, climbing or jumping; and sensitivity to physical contact.

"A dog that fails to jump in bed with his owners at night after doing it for years, or one that suddenly struggles to get in the car, may be dealing with arthritis," Beale explains. "If you see these signs, get to a veterinarian. We can properly diagnose the disease and begin professional treatment."

Thanks to advancements in medical research, dogs can now benefit from the same coxib class of pain control as human arthritis sufferers. Deramaxx chewable tablets -- by Novartis Animal Health -- have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis. It is the first and only drug that controls canine arthritis pain and inflammation in a way similar to its human counterparts, Celebrex and Vioxx -- two drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of human arthritis.

"The first step in controlling the pain of canine arthritis begins with a visit to the veterinarian," says Beale. "A simple conversation followed by a brief exam can lead to that important diagnosis, and treatment options can include diet, exercise and pain control such as Deramaxx."

For more information about the benefits Deramaxx has to offer for your pet, log on to www.deramaxx.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content