Our beloved fur noses are very active animals. Anyone who moves a lot will of course show one or the other sign of wear over time.
It can also happen that areas around the joints become inflamed – like for example the bursa.
In the following guide, we explain what bursitis in dogs is all about.
Bursitis in dogs – causes and symptoms
For bursitis in dogs there is different causes – but the symptoms in these are similar. We will now explain in detail how this works in detail.
First of all: In the case of bursae, between congenital and acquired bursae distinguished. The dog has the innate from the beginning.
Acquired ones, on the other hand, develop over the course of life. Namely on parts of the body that are regularly exposed to a certain pressure.
causes
Strictly speaking there is a main causewhy a bursa can become inflamed at all.
Incorrect and/or overloading
Namely one excessive stress the regions where the bursa have a protective function.
Likewise one can incorrect loading be the cause of the bursitis. This can also occur, among other things, when a dog adopts a protective posture due to pain that is already present.
joint injuries
joint injuries are not uncommon in dogs, nor are inflammations that are directly related to the joints.
infections
Also bacteria can cause inflammation of the bursa. One reason might be that the Bursa filled with a liquid are.
And most bacteria feel right at home in a humid environment.
Inflammatory diseases
The most common culprits in this regard include: scleroderma, gout or the Rheumatoid arthritis.
These diseases include hardening of the skin or stiffness in the affected joints.
If a dog suffers from one of these diseases, unfortunately they are too Basic conditions for bursitis given.
Already knew?
The bursa will too Synovial bursae called. The associated inflammation, which is unfortunately not so rare, is under the technical term bursitis known.
Unfortunately can also through various therapies have not completely stopped this chronic inflammation become.
That means: Even if symptoms can be relievedit is likely that the dog will struggle with these infections throughout its life.
symptoms
But how do you know that your dog may be suffering from bursitis? To the most common symptoms count these:
- Depending on the body part, lameness can occur
- Your dog suffers from sometimes very severe pain
- The affected parts of the body may show swelling
- Your dog licks the spots excessively, it can be irritable and aggressive
In which parts of the body can bursitis occur in dogs?
Bursitis in dogs occurs on parts of the body where joints meet or where joints sit.
Ultimately, bursae have no other function than to protect them from stress and pressure.
However, if these two factors are too strong, it can happen that the bursa becomes inflamed.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable here shoulderat the hind leg or on elbow as well as to the hocks.
So in all the places that are directly related to all movements.
Aids and home remedies for bursitis in dogs
There are several aids and home remedies that can help with canine bursitis.
These can both homeopathic be as well as one «normal» home remedy or but appropriate medication.
homeopathy
A proven homeopathic remedy for canine bursitis is dreameel. This is a preparation that, among other things, Arnica, witch hazel, echinacea and comfrey contains.
It is both as ointment available as well as in the form of Ampoules, drops and tablets. An ointment in particular can simply be applied to the bump – also called a hygroma.
globules
Can also be supportive globules be used. The effective globules include, among others No. 4 Potassium chloratum and No. 6 Potassium sulfuricum. These funds are also called Schuessler salts designated.
You can give these to your dog either by giving them directly into the lip pocket or – dissolved in water – with a syringe in the mouth.
home remedies
In addition to homeopathy, some home remedies can help to relieve the symptoms of bursitis.
massage
One massage may help relieve the pain of bursitis. It is important that you are there slow, gentle and circular movements execute Incidentally, this only applies if the area is not yet infected.
After the massage you should warm towel on the spot place. Because heat supports the healing effect.
Cold envelopes
These make sense especially when the inflammation still relatively fresh is. Add one to it Compress on the affected body partwhich is filled with quark, for example.
Likewise one should ginger compress provide initial relief. The anti-inflammatory substances contained in ginger are responsible for this.
To do this, soak ginger briefly in hot water and on a tea or coffee filter and then place it on the swollen area.
warmth and security
Very important for bursitis: Warmth and, above all, security! Your furry friend will feel much better if they can cuddle with you extensively – and get a lot of your own warmth.
medication
There are two main types of medication that are used: antibiotics – in the case of bacterial bursitis – and cortisone. This causes the swelling to go down.
Treatment at the vet for bursitis
As mentioned, all home remedies and medications can only alleviate the symptoms, but not eliminate the actual cause of bursitis.
So that also applies to them therapy approacheswhich a vet uses here.
If there is a bacterial infection, it becomes one antibiotic therapy advise. However, this has the disadvantage that this causes the sensitive intestinal flora of the dog is attacked.
Also one can cortisone therapy make sense – depending on the type and severity of the inflammation.
Undesirable side effects can also occur here. These include, among other things Vomiting, diarrhea and ulcers of the stomach or intestinal mucosa.
Of course, these therapy approaches associated costs. Is it a antibiotic therapyfall about 130 € at.
A preliminary and follow-up examination is already included in most cases.
Will against cortisone used, they can costs are higher.
The reason: Usually it is one long-term therapywhich means regular treatments and examinations.
Conclusion
A bursitis in dogs is usually in one overload or incorrect loading certain joints and parts of the body.
These have primarily to do with the musculoskeletal system of the dog. The fact is that exercise and sport – i.e. physical stress – affects bones, joints and tissue over time.
One Bursitis is therefore not uncommon – but of course it doesn’t have to be a disease that your dog will suffer from.
So can she by bacteria or already existing joint problems become as well as through Other diseaseslike for example arthritis.
So far there is no therapy that prevents renewed inflammation. Be treated but they can symptoms.
Has your dog ever had bursitis? We hope, of course, that the answer is no.
If he has ever had to struggle with it, we would be happy if you share your experiences with us in the comments.