How do I know if my Labrador has arthritis?

Arthritis, a common disease among middle-aged and elderly dogs, is quietly eroding the vitality and health of our furry children. As owners, we should not only understand their unspoken pain, but also be the first line of defense to protect their joint health. ​

Arthritis is essentially a vicious cycle of joint cartilage degeneration and inflammatory response. As a medium-to-large dog, Labrador's natural passion for sports and sturdy body make its joints bear several times more pressure than small dogs. From a genetic point of view, congenital defects such as hip dysplasia have buried joint risks for some Labradors since childhood; and excessive obesity, joint injuries caused by strenuous exercise, and long-term damp and cold living environment are all accelerating the process of cartilage wear. When the cartilage on the surface of the joint gradually becomes thinner and the synovial tissue begins to become inflamed, pain and dysfunction will follow. ​

The subtle signs of the early stage of the disease are often hidden in the details of life. You may find that the stairs that used to be easy to go up and down have now become a difficult obstacle for your dog to hesitate; they no longer jump freely when playing, and their steps become stiff when running. They may limp briefly after waking up, or instinctively retreat when their joints are touched. These subtle changes are like the tip of the iceberg, suggesting that the pain inside the joints is being experienced. What's more distressing is that Labradors are naturally tolerant. They will not actively express discomfort like humans, but choose to endure silently until the pain seriously affects their daily lives. ​

As the disease progresses, the symptoms of arthritis will become more and more obvious. You will notice that your dog's joints gradually swell and deform, especially the elbows, knees and hips. They begin to reduce their activity time, curl up more in warm corners, and even lose interest in their favorite toys. Loss of appetite and weight loss also occur from time to time, all of which are warnings that joint pain has seriously affected their quality of life. What's more distressing is that long-term pain will cause Labradors to have emotional changes, and their once cheerful and friendly personalities will become sensitive and irritable. This is their unique way of conveying painful signals to their owners.​

To confirm the diagnosis of arthritis, a professional veterinary examination is essential. X-rays are the most commonly used diagnostic tool, and the images can clearly show lesions such as narrowing of the joint space and bone spur formation. However, early arthritis may not show obvious symptoms on X-rays. At this time, it is necessary to combine joint ultrasound examination to observe soft tissue lesions such as synovial thickening and joint effusion. Blood tests can exclude other systemic diseases that may cause pain and ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis. During the entire examination process, your dog may feel nervous because of the unfamiliar environment. The owner's company and comfort are particularly important. Gentle comfort and gentle caressing can make them feel more at ease when facing the examination. ​

After the diagnosis, treatment and care are a long battle of protection. In drug treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can effectively relieve pain and inflammation, but long-term use requires close monitoring of liver and kidney function. Joint protectors such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help repair damaged cartilage and delay the progression of the disease. Physical therapy is also indispensable. Warm water swimming can reduce joint pressure and promote muscle strength recovery; laser therapy accelerates tissue repair through photobiomodulation. In daily care, a soft mattress can reduce joint pressure, and controlling weight can reduce joint load. These seemingly simple measures can alleviate the pain of your dog bit by bit. ​

Prevention is always better than cure. Scientific feeding and exercise management are essential from an early age. Choosing high-quality dog ​​food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can protect joint health from the source; controlling the amount of exercise, avoiding long-term running and violent jumping, and reducing joint wear. Taking your dog for a regular physical examination and timely intervention in the budding stage of the disease are far more effective than late treatment. These meticulous cares are all to keep Labradors away from the troubles of arthritis and enjoy a healthy and happy life for a long time. ​

When we gaze into the clear eyes of Labradors, the warm time we spent together will flow in our hearts. They accompany us with their lifelong loyalty and love, and what we can do is to become their most solid support with professional knowledge, patient care and endless love when they encounter illness. Arthritis may temporarily take away their vitality, but as long as we take good care of them, we can still allow them to continue to feel the beauty and warmth of life in the remaining years.