How to check for arthritis in dogs

a), X-ray examination:

1. Early X-rays show thickening of the joint synovium and joint capsule, and widening of the joint cavity. As the condition worsens, joint damage occurs, the tissue around the joint is sparse, the joint surface is irregular, and some show fibrous or bony ankylosis.

2. Joint puncture revealed synovial fluid degeneration and leukocytosis, mostly neutrophils.

3. Puncture bacterial culture can be done to determine the type of bacterial infection, but it is difficult to detect the results of bacterial culture in patients who have been treated with antibiotics.

b), clinical symptoms:

1. Suffering from joint swelling, heat pain, a large amount of serous, fibrous or purulent exudate accumulated in the joint cavity, swelling of the joint capsule, and a fluctuating sensation when pressed.

2. Claudication of the affected limb is often accompanied by an increase in body temperature; over time, the articular cartilage will be destroyed, the subchondral bone will be eroded, bone hyperplasia around the joint bone, and the synovial membrane will thicken; it may develop into fibrous or osseous synovium in the later stage. Healing joints, ankylosing joints or dead joints.

Causes of arthritis in dogs

1. Exogenous joint infection is common after joint trauma, direct infection by pathogenic bacteria or the spread of purulent inflammation in the same tissue around the joint.

2. Blood-borne infection, which refers to the infection of joints by pathogenic bacteria from primary lesions such as pneumonia, umbilical corditis, and urinary tract infection.

3. Iatrogenic infections are common in surgical contamination such as arthrotomy and joint puncture.

Measures to prevent and treat arthritis in dogs

1. Based on bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing, bacterial-sensitive antibiotics can be used for several weeks until the infection subsides. Intravenous infusion can last up to 48 hours to quickly control the infection.

2. Move the joints appropriately to prevent joint adhesions in sick dogs, but it is not advisable to bear weight within 3 to 4 months to prevent the wear and tear of articular cartilage.

3. When there is excessive accumulation of pus in the joint, puncture or incision can be made, and a drainage tube can be installed to facilitate the discharge and flushing of purulent secretions. Flush with sterile isotonic solution once a day.

4. In patients with a long course of disease, the articular cartilage and articular bone are generally more severely damaged. After the inflammation is controlled, it is easy to turn into degenerative joint disease, and the function is difficult to recover.