Arthritis In The Labrador Retriever
There are pathologies associated with certain breeds of dogs, such as arthritis in the Labrador retriever. The corpulence of these animals is one of the triggering factors of the disease, but there are also other factors that are more easily controllable to prevent or control it.
In general, the clinical term arthritis refers to joint inflammation. This pathology can affect humans and some animals. Size, weight, age and genetics are the main risk factors.
Arthritis is one of the diseases with the highest incidence in the Labrador retriever. This fact is fundamentally due to their large size, so that the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Mastiff and Dane are also likely to suffer from this problem.
Types of canine arthritis
The four most recurrent types of arthritis in dogs are, in part, related to trigger type. Thus, in addition to the mentioned causes, swelling, infections, immune system changes and metabolic problems can motivate its appearance.
The main variants of the disease are:
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. It consists of the progressive deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds the joints. It is associated with age or being overweight.
- Hip dysplasia. A genetic disease that results in malformation of the hip joint in a way that causes the hip to be misaligned. This conformation causes the gradual deterioration of the cartilage and the associated chronic inflammation of the joint.
- Elbow dysplasia. As in the previous case, this pathology is due to poor development of the elbow joint. It is believed to be hereditary and, in addition to typical cartilage deterioration, it can even break bones in situations of maximum wear. Most of the time, the cases of arthritis in the Labrador retriever correspond to this variety, as it is typical of large breeds.
- Knee dysplasia. This variety is also due to a malformation in the knee joint, however, it usually affects small dogs.
Treatment and Prevention of Arthritis in the Labrador Retriever
After the diagnosis of the disease, depending on the state and type of arthritis, the following treatments will be proposed:
- Anti-inflammatory medications that help relieve pain.
- Food planning in cases of overweight or metabolic disorders.
- Supplements aimed at cartilage regeneration.
- Surgeries that help correct inherited malformations (dysplasias).
Although arthritis in the Labrador retriever often appears naturally due to the animal’s constitution, there are certain preventative measures. They not only prevent or reduce the onset of the disease, but also lessen the severity of possible symptoms.
- Practice low-impact exercises. An active life is recommended for the animal’s physical and mental health, as well as helping to control weight. However, breeds prone to the disease should pay special attention to the strain on their joints. Taking long walks is preferable to running fast or with high intensity jumps.
- Keep the weight off. Large breeds are more susceptible to obesity, so it is essential to control intake and choose the most suitable type of food.
- Make frequent veterinary checks.
- Taking cartilage supplements, massage or alternative acupuncture treatments, or physical therapy can strengthen your pet’s health.
Arthritis in the Labrador retriever is one of the most recurrent pathologies of the breed. However, thanks to preventive treatments, it usually appears later in life. The disease can be effectively controlled thanks to collaboration between owners and veterinarians.
