The downside is that with the third and fourth age of the animal, new problems also appeared. In particular, many older animals suffer from osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, that is, a pathology that progresses gradually and irreversibly. It is estimated that it affects between 20 and 25% of four-legged friends, for whom it causes constant pain and a worse quality of life.

At the beginning there is erosion of the cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of the bones to protect them from rubbing. Wearing down the cartilage brings the bones into direct contact, causing pain and inflammation.

This constant stress activates an anomalous proliferation of the bone, on which growths, called osteophytes, are formed, which act like pebbles stuck between the gears, making the pain even more acute and movement more difficult.

In the last stage, ankylosis occurs, which is the blockage of the joint due to excessive growth of the surrounding bone. Through ankylosis the body tries to reduce the pain, but it makes the joint almost useless.

How do you fight osteoarthritis?

As a degenerative disease, osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but we can slow down its progression, improving the dog's well-being thanks to various therapeutic strategies :

• Weight control: less kilos means less load on the joints
• Physical activity: moderate physical exercise helps prevent ankylosis
• Medicines: the vet can prescribe medicines for pain and inflammation
• Environment: non-slip mats, warm kennels and stair-free paths improve comfort
• Integration: many natural substances have a beneficial effect on the joints, effectively integrating pharmacological therapy
  

Precisely to support joint well-being, we have Ferma dol Forte, formulated as support of the metabolism of joints in the case of osteoarthritis and as support to the normal function of joints, in every case of stress resulting from strong exercise and old age.