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Degenerative Joint Disease - DJD/Arthritis of Labrador retriever, pune, Pune (2026)

13/11/2025

🌡️ Infrared Therapy for Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis Management in Dogs

🦴 Understanding the Problem: DJD, Hip Dysplasia & Arthritic Pain

As dogs age, especially large breeds or those genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia; their joints experience gradual wear and tear. The protective cartilage cushioning the hip joint begins to thin, and friction increases, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This chronic condition is collectively known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis.

Winter worsens it.
Cold, damp weather causes muscles and connective tissues to contract and stiffen, reducing circulation and synovial fluid mobility. That’s why older dogs often appear more reluctant to move in the mornings, limp after rest, or prefer to curl up rather than play outside. Pain peaks when circulation is poor — and that’s exactly where infrared therapy steps in as a gentle, non-invasive healer.

🔦 What Is Infrared (IR) Therapy?

Infrared therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (typically 700–1200 nm) that pe*****te deep into the tissues — up to several centimeters below the skin — to stimulate cellular activity and blood flow. The Murphy IR instrument is one such device, designed for veterinary use to deliver targeted, therapeutic warmth.

This warmth isn’t just “heat” — it’s a form of photobiomodulation, meaning it stimulates natural biological processes that help repair and soothe tissues.

🧠 How It Works (The Science Simplified)

Infrared light acts on mitochondria — the energy factories of cells — boosting production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
The result?
✨ Enhanced cellular energy → faster healing
✨ Increased circulation → better oxygen and nutrient delivery
✨ Reduced inflammation → less pain and swelling
✨ Relaxed muscles → smoother joint movement

In dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis, IR therapy improves flexibility, reduces pain, and helps maintain mobility alongside other treatments.

🐾 Benefits of Infrared Therapy for Dogs

1. Pain Relief: Decreases inflammation, swelling, and muscle tension around affected joints.

2. Improved Blood Circulation: Delivers more oxygen to damaged tissues.

3. Accelerated Healing: Supports cartilage repair and tissue regeneration.

4. Enhanced Mobility: Dogs move more freely, showing greater willingness to climb stairs or walk longer distances.

5. Drug-Free Management: Minimizes dependence on long-term painkillers or NSAIDs.

6. Emotional Relief: Eases anxiety and restlessness caused by chronic pain.

⚙️ Using the Murphy IR Device – Step-by-Step

✅ Do’s

Consult your vet first. Ensure the diagnosis and severity of arthritis/hip dysplasia are confirmed.

Use on clean, dry skin. Brush off dust, mud, or mats before starting.

Keep device moving. Sweep the beam slowly in circular or back-and-forth motions over the joint area.

Session Duration: 5–10 minutes per joint, 1–2 times daily (or as advised by your vet).

Maintain gentle distance: Usually 2–4 cm from the skin unless otherwise specified.

Observe your dog. Signs of relaxation (licking, sighing, leaning into you) mean the therapy is well-received.

❌ Don’ts

Don’t use on open wounds, tumors, or infections.

Avoid eyes, reproductive organs, and heart area.

Don’t overheat — if your dog pants, shifts away, or skin feels hot, stop immediately.

Avoid metal implants or pacemaker sites; IR can cause unwanted heating.

Don’t use right after heavy exercise when inflammation is acute (wait 2–3 hours).

🧴 Care & Handling of the Murphy IR Instrument ( given in the manual)

Clean gently: Wipe the lens with a soft, dry cloth after every use.

Store safely: Keep it away from water, moisture, or direct sunlight.

Check battery and calibration: A fading beam reduces effectiveness — ensure proper charge or power supply.

Avoid drops or rough handling: The diode and lens are precision components.

Regular maintenance: Follow manufacturer’s service intervals or checks.

🌬️ Winter, Stiffness & The “Pain Dynamic”

During winter, dogs’ joints feel heavier due to:

Vasoconstriction: Cold narrows blood vessels → reduced blood flow.

Reduced physical activity: Muscles stiffen from less movement.

Cold floors: Chill creeps up the limbs, aggravating joint discomfort.

Infrared therapy counteracts all of the above improving local circulation, softening stiff muscles, and easing the "morning-after" joint ache. When combined with:

a warm sleeping area,

orthopedic bedding,

gentle massage,

omega-3 supplements, and

light exercise like swimming or slow walks,
it becomes a holistic arthritis management plan.

🧘‍♀️ Complementary Therapies to Combine

Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3 fatty acids.

Weight management: Every extra kilo worsens joint stress.

Physiotherapy: Stretching and underwater treadmill exercises.

Acupuncture or laser therapy: For advanced or resistant cases.

Infrared works beautifully as an at-home adjunct, not a stand-alone cure.

❤️ Observing Progress

Watch for signs like:

Easier rising after naps

Longer walks without limping

Reduced licking or chewing near hips

More tail wags and play ( you can clearly see her playfully responding to therapy, and yes, I was moving the instrument in circular motion just for the sake of filming I have kept it stationary)

Better sleep patterns

Improvements are often noticeable in 2–3 weeks of consistent therapy.

🐕‍🦺 Final Thoughts

Infrared therapy isn’t magic, it’s science meeting compassion. When done correctly, it restores comfort, mobility, and dignity to aging dogs who’ve given us their best years. The Murphy IR instrument offers pet parents a gentle, daily act of healing, especially in harsh winters when every movement hurts a little more.

Let’s spread awareness so every arthritic dog gets warmth that heals not just comfort that soothes. Because love, truly, is the best medicine. 🩵

©Rucha Joshi

14/10/2025

🐾 When Toileting Becomes a Test of Strength: Understanding the Hidden Pain of Hip-Affected Dogs

Most people see a dog’s toilet time as routine. But for a dog living with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or any degenerative joint condition, even this simple act can become a daily ordeal.

Let’s talk about what really happens behind that brave tail wag.

To urinate or defecate, dogs must assume a very specific pose... a careful bend at the hips and stifles, with balanced weight on the hind limbs. When the hip joints are inflamed or structurally compromised, holding that posture for even a few seconds can be excruciating. They may start trembling, lose balance, or collapse mid-way. Smooth flooring adds insult to injury ... they can’t anchor their paws, they slip, and the fear of that fall stays with them.

Soon, the fear becomes stronger than the urge. They hold it in, not out of disobedience, but out of sheer anxiety of pain. And when the body can’t hold it anymore, it happens on the bed or near their safe zone. For a dog, that’s deeply humiliating. They know it’s “not right.” You can see it in their eyes that quiet shame that cuts through you as their human.

Watching your childlike companion go through that is its own kind of ache. You’d trade places if you could.

So, what can we do?

Traction is everything. Lay down yoga mats, textured rubber sheets, or rough rugs in toilet areas. Give them a surface they can trust.

Support the posture. Some guardians gently hold under the belly with a soft towel sling during squatting to ease weight off the hips. Kairee spins for atleast 6 times before she holds the position for it. I used to hold her from behind supporting the posture.

Keep them regular. Constipation makes the pain worse. Laxatives help, but many over-the-counter ones contain sugar or artificial flavors dogs resist. Kairee resisted toilet for ten days even after administarting her oral laxative duloclax (twice a day) which was very concerning for me. So it pushed me to think for natural substitute for this medicine which she will accept happily and the body will absorb it naturally without having any side effects.

My solution for Kairee : psyllium husk laddoos:
Mix psyllium husk with a little curd, roll into small balls, and refrigerate. Offer them daily for a week, then as needed. Natural, soothing, and accepted happily.

Gentle exercise like hydrotherapy or slow, assisted walks helps maintain joint flexibility and confidence.

And above all... patience! Don’t scold for accidents. Each “mistake” is their cry for help, not a sign of defiance. Assure them, 'It's ok, do it here, I'll clean it for you' will work best for already guilty pets than yelling at them.

Through my upcoming videos, I’ll be sharing Kairee’s journey, her struggles, adaptations, and the small victories that make it all worth it. Every step she takes on those tired hips is a story of courage.

Let’s make this phase of their life easier, softer, and full of dignity.

25/08/2025

The Silent Pain of Dogs with DJD: A Parent’s Journey of Choices, Care, and Courage

When you live with a dog who suffers from Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), every day is a delicate balance of emotions. You wake up listening for the sound of paws on the floor are they steady today, or is there hesitation? You see them struggle to rise after rest, their eyes soft with trust but their body betraying them. And as a parent, your heart breaks in a thousand ways, silently asking, “Am I doing enough?”

The Emotional Turmoil of a Pet Parent: Unlike humans, our dogs don’t verbalize their pain. They don’t complain, demand, or negotiate. Instead, they give us small signs: slower walks, avoiding stairs, lying longer in one spot, or looking at us with quiet eyes that seem to say, “I’ll endure if you’re beside me.”

As parents, this silence becomes our greatest challenge. We worry:

Are we over-medicating them?

Are we under-treating their pain?

Will today’s choice help or harm their tomorrow?

The emotional turmoil isn’t just about their suffering it’s about the helplessness of not being able to trade places with them.

How Dogs See Pain vs. Humans

Humans see pain as an enemy and immediately seek relief. Dogs, on the other hand, are deeply stoic. Their instinct tells them not to show weakness because in the animal world, weakness meant vulnerability.

This means they often endure pain far longer and more silently than we imagine. By the time a dog “shows” pain, it’s usually severe. And unlike us, they don’t think about “side effects” or “long-term consequences.” They only know one truth: stay close to my human, keep walking if I can, and love even when it hurts.

The Double-Edged Sword of Pain Medications

Veterinary painkillers whether NSAIDs or stronger drugs can indeed bring relief. On tough days, they transform a dog’s world: a tail wags again, a short walk becomes possible, appetite improves.

But the truth every pet parent learns is this: these medications come with a cost. Long-term or excessive use can burden vital organs like the liver and kidneys. They may cause stomach upset, lethargy, or even hidden internal stress. This is why no responsible parent gives them “free-handedly.”

A Parent’s Balanced Path: SOS + Ayurvedic Care

With my Kairee, I learned this balance the hard way. I don’t hand over pain medication every day, but I don’t deny it when she truly needs it either. On SOS (as-needed) days, when her pain is severe and her eyes ask for relief, I give her the prescribed pain medicine because no soul deserves to suffer silently.

But I don’t stop there. I follow it up with Rkleen, an Ayurvedic medicine that helps clear the after-effects of painkillers from her system. It’s gentle on the body, supports detoxification, and protects the vital organs. This way, I allow Kairee the relief she deserves without making her body pay a heavy price.

This balance of science and nature, of immediate relief and long-term care has given both of us peace.

Why This Approach Matters

1. Relief with responsibility: Pain control is essential; untreated pain itself can worsen arthritis and affect the heart, immunity, and spirit.

2. Organ protection: Supporting the liver, kidneys, and gut ensures longevity even when medications are used.

3. Holistic healing: Combining modern medicine with Ayurvedic support honors both immediate comfort and long-term wellness.

4. Emotional peace for the parent: Knowing you are not over-medicating nor under-treating builds confidence in your care decisions.

The Real Need: Compassion + Awareness

At the heart of DJD care is compassion guided by knowledge. Our dogs need us to read their silent language, to make decisions that prioritize both their comfort and their health. Pain relief is not optional...it’s necessary! But how we balance it, how we protect their bodies afterward, and how we walk this journey with awareness is what makes us true caregivers.

Every time I see Kairee rise without a whimper, or take a few extra steps with steadier paws, I know the choices are worth it. Her eyes don’t say “thank you,” but they shine with trust and that’s the most powerful validation a parent can receive.

Because in the end, DJD isn’t just a disease of joints...it’s a test of love, patience, and the quiet courage to do what’s right every single day.

23/08/2025

Why Anti-Skid Mats (and Rough Flooring) Are Essential for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis?

Smooth tiles make dogs slip. Slips force awkward, wide-leg stances and sudden splits that strain hips, knees, and the lower back worsening pain and sp*eding joint wear. High-traction surfaces (anti-skid mats, rubber/cork/vinyl with texture, carpet runners) stabilize every step, reduce joint load, prevent falls, and restore confidence. If your dog has hip dysplasia or arthritis, building “traction pathways” at home is one of the cheapest, highest-impact changes you can make today.

What Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis Do to a Dog’s Body

Hip dysplasia = a loose, shallow hip joint → excessive motion, micro-instability and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis = cartilage thinning + bone remodeling → pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Compensation chain: when hips hurt, dogs overload the forelimbs and spine, risking elbow/shoulder strain and back pain.

These conditions already challenge balance and muscle control. Add a slippery floor and the risk of injury multiplies.

How Smooth Tiles Harm Joints?

1. Reduced friction → splaying: Paws slide outward, forcing the hip into abduction and internal rotation—exactly what dysplastic hips hate.

2. Co-contraction overdrive: To avoid slipping, muscles around the hip/knee/ankle tense simultaneously. This protective “bracing” raises joint compression and pain.

3. Sudden slips → acute injury: Groin/hamstring pulls, iliopsoas strain, cruciate (knee) injury, and lumbar tweaks.

4. Short, choppy steps: Dogs take tiny steps on slick floors. Short stride = poor joint nutrition (cartilage feeds on movement) and faster deconditioning.

5. Fear of walking: One scary fall can create a confidence drop → inactivity → muscle loss → weight gain → even more joint load.

6. Cold, hard surface: Tiles stay cool; cold tightens muscles and can stiffen arthritic joints, especially mornings and monsoons.

Every slide is a mini-trauma your dog must absorb with already compromised joints.

Why Anti-Skid Mats & Rough Flooring Work

Traction = stability: Good grip lets the paw “lock” to the ground so the hip moves in its safe range.

Longer, smoother strides: Proper footfall nourishes cartilage and reduces aberrant joint forces.

Less protective bracing: When footing is secure, muscles stop over-tightening → lower compression pain.

Confidence returns: Dogs move more, keep muscle mass, and maintain a healthier weight.

Thermal comfort + cushioning: Mats are warmer and slightly forgiving, easing pressure on bony points and elbows when resting.

Signs Your Floors Are Too Slippery:

“Bambi on ice” moments; hind legs sliding apart on turns or when getting up

Bunny-hopping on stairs; reluctance to jump into cars/onto couches

Park-and-refuse: dog stands staring at slick hallway, won’t cross

Elbow calluses from avoiding lying down (or flopping to avoid controlled descents)

Nail scuff marks or skid trails on tile

Best Traction Options (from Budget to Premium): Great now / budget-friendly

Microfiber bath mats (with rubber backing) in key zones

Carpet runners (low-pile) with rug grippers underneath

Interlocking EVA or rubber gym tiles for “runways” through halls

Long yoga mats for single-file corridors

Mid to premium: Textured rubber rolls (commercial/garage style), cork or textured LVT (luxury vinyl tile/plank) with matte finish

Anti-fatigue closed-cell rubber mats in feeding/grooming areas

Wall-to-wall low-pile carpet in bedrooms or family rooms

What to look for?

High-traction texture: raised ridges, pebbled, or cross-hatch surfaces

Firm, not squishy: 6–10 mm thickness is a sweet spot cushioned but stable

Non-toxic materials: low-odor, phthalate-free; avoid brittle PVC that gets slick when wet

Non-slip backing: so the mat itself doesn’t become a skate

Easy to clean: machine-washable runners or wipe-clean rubber; quick dry to prevent mildew

Where to Place Mats (Create “Traction Pathways”)

Launch pads: next to beds, couches, car ramps, anywhere your dog stands up or lands

High-traffic lanes: doorways, hallways, kitchen triangle (fridge-sink-stove)

Corners & turns: where slips are most common

Stairs: non-slip treads on each step + a landing mat at top and bottom

Work stations: food/water bowls, grooming area, litter-box/p*e-pad zone for small dogs

Car travel: a grippy mat over the backseat/boot + ramp with traction tape

> Tip: Map your dog’s daily route and lay a continuous runway. Gaps between mats are “slip traps.”

Installation & Safety Tips

Anchor edges: use rug grippers or double-sided carpet tape; bevel edges to prevent toe stubs

Seam strategy: stagger interlocking tiles; avoid narrow strips that curl

Moisture matters: wipe spills immediately (drool/water bowls)

Rotate & wash: weekly wash for fabric runners; monthly deep-clean for rubber

Sun & heat: extreme heat can make some rubbers tacky; ventilate and rotate

Hygiene & Skin Care

Keep mats dry to prevent yeast/hot spots on elbows and hocks.

If your dog is incontinent or dribbly, choose washable runners; consider a water-resistant underlay.

Wipe paws after outdoor walks; dust + tile cleaner residues can act like ball bearings.

Complementary Traction Aids

Nails: keep short; long nails reduce pad contact and grip.

Paw fur: trim the hair between pads (slippery “fur skates”).

Grippy socks/booties: great for short, supervised periods; ensure proper fit and pad contact.

Toe-grip rings (for nails): helpful for some seniors with proprioception deficits.

Harness with handle: gives you a safe assist during turns, rises, and stairs.

Ramps with grit tape instead of bare wood/metal.

Simple Home Rehab on Traction Surfaces (Ask Your Vet/Physio First)

Controlled sit-to-stand reps (hips tucked under, knees aligned)

Slow leash walks over your mat runway... quality over quantity

Cavaletti/ground poles at fetlock height on non-slip flooring to promote even stride

Weight-shifts (gentle side-to-side) while standing on a firm, grippy mat

Special Situations & Cautions:

Chewers: avoid foam puzzle tiles if your dog ingests pieces; choose solid-sheet rubber.

Cognitive decline/anxiety: consistent pathways reduce confusion and falls at night, add soft lighting.

Monsoon homes: pick fast-dry materials; lift and air mats weekly.

Allergies/asthma: low-VOC products; wash fabric mats with fragrance-free detergents.

Not too soft: over-cushioned or plush rugs can wobble ankles and strain tendons.

10-Minute Action Plan

1. Mark your dog’s routes from bed → water → door → favorite spot.

2. Lay continuous anti-skid runners along that path—no gaps.

3. Add launch pads where the dog lies down or jumps off.

4. Secure edges with grippers/tape.

5. Trim nails & paw fur today.

6. Elevate water bowls slightly and put a washable mat beneath.

7. Test traction: your dog should stand, turn, and sit without a paw sliding.

8. Observe for a week—expect longer strides, fewer stumbles, more confidence.

Quick Checklist

[ ] Non-slip mats in all high-traffic zones

[ ] Edges secured, no mat gaps

[ ] Nails short, paw fur trimmed

[ ] Ramps/treads on stairs and car access

[ ] Weekly cleaning routine

[ ] Harness support for tricky turns/stairs

[ ] Vet/physio-approved home exercises

Bottom Line: For dysplastic or arthritic dogs, traction is medicine you can lay on the floor. It prevents slips, reduces joint stress, preserves muscle, boosts confidence, and makes every step safer. If you change nothing else in your home, change the flooring your dog walks on.

01/08/2025

A Love Note to All Senior Dogs with DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease)

As our dogs grow older, something changes.
The jumps become gentle steps.
The races to the gate turn into slow, wise walks.
And sometimes… they look at you as if saying,
"I want to do more… but my body is tired."

My girl is 10 now. A Labrador full of love, but her hips are getting stiff, especially on cold days. She has Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD); a common, yet heartbreaking condition in senior dogs. But this post isn’t just about her pain.
It’s about her courage.

🦴 DJD Doesn't Have to Mean "Decline"

It’s not a death sentence.
It’s not a reason to give up walks.
It’s a reminder that we must support our dogs, just like they’ve supported us all their lives.

And we can support them. Here’s how we do it:

✅ A gentle, anti-inflammatory diet
✅ Joint supplements (like glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid)
✅ Natural warriors like turmeric, omega-3s, vit E
✅ Daily love-filled massages and slow walks
✅ Warm compresses on painful hips
✅ Cozy bedding, raised bowls, and non-slip mats
✅ And most importantly… unshakable emotional support

💡 What I’ve Learned:

Dogs don’t complain like humans. They endure.

But we must watch closely... a missed step, a slow rise, a quiet wince… it all matters.

We can’t reverse time, but we can slow the suffering.

With the right plan, dogs can stay mobile, pain-managed, and emotionally strong till the very end.

And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

💖 To Every Senior Dog Parent Reading This:
You’re not alone.
If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or stiffness, reach out. Share what works. Ask what doesn’t. Because when we help each other, our dogs live better, longer lives.

Tag a pet parent who might need to read this today.
Let’s be the voice of hope for our wise, grey-faced warriors.
They’ve earned every ounce of it. 🐾✨

18/04/2024

At home, things were falling apart. Kairee, my sweet Labrador with degenerative joint disease (DJD), was struggling. She was on a diet food called Satiety by Royal Canin, which cost a small fortune. But, truthfully, she barely liked it. I could see her disinterest every time I fed her, but since her vet recommended it for weight management, I stuck to the exact quantities they advised.

Then came the real trouble. She began refusing food altogether. At first, I blamed myself—I’d added her herbal medicine to the food, hoping to mask it. But maybe I’d made things worse; the already bland taste was now spoiled with a medicinal smell. The only thing she took was a bit of buttermilk, but then she refused that too. I suspect it was because of the frequent urination. The act of squatting was clearly painful for her. Soon, since she wasn’t eating solids, she wasn’t pooping either. Six days would go by, and still nothing. I could only imagine how excruciating it was for her to even attempt.

Her back legs were so weak that she would slip on her p*e, a heartbreaking sight. So, I started holding her from behind whenever she needed to go. My support seemed to give her the confidence she needed—I wouldn’t let her fall.

Her meals became simpler: a bowl of curd. Gradually, I introduced small portions of mashed boiled egg with rice, and, thankfully, she started eating. For the constipation, vets recommended laxatives, but Kairee seemed to resist them with sheer will. I could almost sense her determination, as if to say, “Nope, this isn’t working for me.”

That’s when I made a decision. No more allopathic medicines. I’d let her food become her medicine. It was the beginning of a new journey. I brought psyllium husk (isabgol) and mixed it with curd. Slowly, her digestion improved. She started pooping once every four days, a small victory in the face of her challenges.

It’s a journey, one we’re navigating together, day by day. Her spirit teaches me resilience every single day, and I’m learning to listen to what she truly needs, not just what’s prescribed. Her pain won’t go unnoticed, and neither will her triumphs.

15/03/2024

Some people going through the same situation asked me if this disease is curable. So the simple answer is No! There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to manage the pain. Treatment starts with nonsurgical strategies. Vet will likely recommend anti-inflammatory medicines, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and lifestyle changes, such as changing the activities of your dog and losing weight.

17/02/2024

Love has power to heal!

17/02/2024

When Kairee was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (DJD), it felt like a punch to the heart. Seeing the x-rays, especially the damage to her hip joint, was a reality I wasn’t prepared for. Suddenly, all those moments when she seemed reluctant to go on walks made sense—it wasn’t just her typical Labrador “laziness”; it was real, intense pain. We’d been treating it as a possible muscle sprain, but deep down, I felt something more was wrong. Following my instincts, I insisted on an x-ray, even when it didn’t seem urgent to the vets. Trusting my gut led us to the truth, and I’m grateful for that, but I also realized how crucial it is to listen to our instincts when it comes to our beloved pets.

With the diagnosis in hand, we faced some big decisions. Our vet presented two main paths forward: the conservative route and an aggressive surgical approach. The conservative plan would focus on managing the disease with pain relief, diet adjustments, supplements, and supportive therapies like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and laser treatments. The more aggressive option involved a procedure called femoral head osteotomy (FHO), a surgery to remove the damaged part of the hip joint.

Given Kairee’s age—she’s not quite 8 yet, and she still has a long, beautiful life ahead—the vets leaned towards the FHO surgery. I felt a wave of hope and fear all at once as we were referred to a specialist in osteo-surgery.

We’re only at the beginning of this journey, but I want to share it with you in the hope that it brings comfort, strength, or insight if you’re facing something similar with your own fur baby.

More updates to come! I’m so grateful you’re here with us.

26/01/2024

It was last September when Kairee’s symptoms took a turn for the worse. Watching her struggle to walk was heartbreaking, especially after noticing her limp for over a year. I’d taken her to multiple vets, but each time, the answer was the same: “Labradors are just lazy.” So, I tried to believe that, even though my heart knew there was more to it.

Then, life took its turns. We got Kairee spayed, and with that, she gained a little weight. Then came the lockdowns, and suddenly our daily walks came to a halt. Before I knew it, she had gone from 26 kg to a peak of 31.5 kg. It was a lot for her, and I could see her discomfort. The vets now believed her weight was the cause, so I put her on a strict weight-loss diet. Being a vegetarian myself, I couldn’t bring myself to cook non-veg food, so I went with the best dry food they recommended—Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management. After five months, she lost almost 4 kg, but it came at a cost; she had even lost interest in her food.

With her weight down, she could still walk, but barely. Our walks had shrunk to just 20 minutes, mostly just slow sniffing along the way. I could see how much she struggled, so we’d often turn back early. One of the vets had mentioned that Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, so I had already stopped her from climbing stairs. Even then, at just 5 years old, everyone assumed it was just a weight issue.

But now I know that if we’d caught it sooner, things might be different. Still, here we are, and I’m doing everything I can to make her journey more comfortable. This video captures her just before we finally got the diagnosis of DJD, arthritis, and hip dysplasia—a moment of realization, of sadness, and, ultimately, a call to do better for her.

Degenerative Joint Disease - DJD/Arthritis of Labrador retriever

13/11/2025

14/10/2025

25/08/2025

23/08/2025

01/08/2025

18/04/2024

15/03/2024

17/02/2024

17/02/2024

26/01/2024

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