Dog Joint Hard Lumps: Possible Causes and Solutions
1. Joint Cysts: Often, joint cysts are a result of severe arthritis, leading to the accumulation of fluid around the joint. These cysts primarily arise from inflammation and injuries to tendons and their sheaths. Therefore, treating joint cysts involves not only draining the fluid from the cyst but also ensuring the health and protection of the tendons and sheaths. In dogs, cysts in specific body areas are usually caused by genetic mutations, although some cysts may grow larger. Pet owners should keep a close eye on their Golden Retrievers' joint lumps, and if they notice any signs of enlargement, they should promptly provide proper care for their pets.
2. Arthritis: Dogs that undergo frequent training may experience joint friction during exercise. If the dog's owner consistently engages in training without adequately supplementing the dog's nutritional needs, arthritis can develop. This condition causes the ends of the bones in the joint to protrude, forming hard lumps. In such cases, the dog's owner should ensure that the Golden Retriever stays warm and protected from the cold. Nutritionally, feeding a wellbalanced diet rich in nutrients, along with supplements like Festura, can be beneficial. These measures can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
3. Tumors at the Joint: Tumors in the joint area can be diagnosed through laboratory tests. If necessary, surgical removal may be required.
4. Abscesses: Abscesses often cause pain upon palpation and have a slightly higher temperature than the surrounding area. To treat them, a 5% procaine solution mixed with penicillin can be used for local infiltration. In the early stage, before pus formation, antiinflammatory and painrelieving treatments, such as cold therapy and infiltration, should be administered. In the middle stage, measures to promote abscess maturation, such as heat therapy using hot vinegar or ichthammol ointment, can be effective. In the later stage, once the abscess has matured, surgical intervention should be performed as soon as possible.
