Can Dogs Get Cortisone Shots for Arthritis?
Yes, dogs can get cortisone shots A cortisone shot is an injection of an anti-inflammatory drug that can help ease the pain of arthritis in your dog. Arthritis in dogs has no known cure, so veterinarians prescribe cortisone shots to help them deal with joint pain and to reduce inflammation. The medication can stay in your pets body for as long as 8 to 12 weeks, but the effects may start to decrease long before that.
Does My Dog Need Cortisone Shots for Arthritis?
Before even considering the possibility, your dog must show symptoms of arthritis.
Symptoms
At an early stage, symptoms of arthritis are usually very mild, but as time goes by, they may become more and more apparent to pet owners. Its recommended to watch out for heavy grunting sounds when your dog is moving, any reluctance to rise or move, visible deformities such as swollen joints, prolonged sleeping time, and disinterest in physical activity.
Causes
Depending on the type of arthritis, the causes may differ. Most cases usually develop because of abnormal rubbing of the joints resulting from damage to their bone ligaments or cartilage. It can also be caused by trauma, such as fractures. Most of the time though, arthritis just comes with age, especially in big dogs.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians usually suggest X-rays to pinpoint the affected joints, but they can also identify them by simple examination. In some cases, your vet may recommend the extraction of fluid from inside the joint to determine the possibility of other medical conditions causing the illness.
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Should you walk dogs with arthritis?
It is important to keep those arthritic joints moving to prevent stiffness and decrease pain. Your arthritic dog may have less enthusiasm about walks, as well as decreased stamina. However, exercise is still essential. Instead of one long daily walk, try taking multiple short, slow walks a day.