How Does A Vet Determine If A Dog Has Arthritis?
I think my Min Pin is “showing” signs of arthritis. When I take her to her vet, what type of test(s) will he do, to determine if it is arthritis?
Thank you.
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I think my Min Pin is “showing” signs of arthritis. When I take her to her vet, what type of test(s) will he do, to determine if it is arthritis?
Thank you.
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
most of the time x-rays are taken
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:54 pm
We usually palpate the joints during a routine exam and can feel for it, if not we recommend doing x-rays on the joints. From there we can recommend a supplement or medication best suited to slow or help the arthritis. Best of luck!
February 24th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Palpation of the possibly affected joint (you can actually hear a sort of crunching sound when an arthritic joint is flexed) and then an xray. Xrays are relatively inexpensive and your veterinarian can determine the severity of the arthritic joint just by studying the few films he or she will take.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:12 am
Physical examination, they might ask to watch you walk the dog, so they can make any observations (they did this with one of my dogs). X Rays play an important role, as they can see exactly what is affected and to what degree.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Blood tests for inflammation, physical examination of joints and xrays
February 24th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Most common is x-rays, ultra sounds, and hands on physical exam. There are treatments available to help ease the pain, if your dog does have arthritis. It doesn’t cost much. And you’ll be helping your dog.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:39 am
Some of them (not like those on here) actually went to school and learned how to make a diagnosis.
There is more than one way to diagnose arthritis, blood work, physical exam, x-ray and symptoms…
February 24th, 2010 at 4:57 am
Just like a Dr. will do with people….examinations, x-rays, and sometimes blood work to determine or rule out other causes.
been there, done that with a cat…and myself, too.
February 24th, 2010 at 5:42 am
Well, the only way to know for sure it to take an x-ray to look for the bony changes associated with arthritis (it is possible for a dog, person, or any other animal to have arthritis without having any lameness or other external symptoms). However, the dogs behavior, as well as doing a range of motion test on the joints that are suspected to be affected in order to feel for restricted range of motion or crepitous (popping) can be useful indicators. If the owner doesn’t want to do x-rays to confirm arthritis, many vets will simply treat the dog based on the dog’s symptoms.