Arthritis?

Brenda asks:

Hello, I have two Bichons, Penny is almost 8 years old, and Snowball is almost 2.
While I was walking them today, I noticed that Penny seems to be waddling side to side when she walks mainly in her front paws, her nails are trim and she is not overweight.
Is arthritis common is this breed?

Barbara responds:

Hi Brenda
I have a friend that has a 11 year old Bichon with the same problem.
She took him to the vet and he has knee problems which i understand is a trait in bichons.
The vet said she believed that he started getting into trouble when my friend bought a high bed and it was too much jumping up and down from the bed.
She has him on joint medicine and the strange thing is he sleeps under the bed now.
Maybe you could read up on that by going into some Bichon Breeders sites.

MelissaM responds:

Hi, Brenda;
I read with interest your post about Penny's problem. While 8 years of age isn't considered "old" for a Bichon, I wouldn't doubt that arthritis could be the culprit. Their little bodies go through alot of wear and tear, simply because of their diminutive stature. However, it would take a veterinarian to make a diagnosis. I would doubt a diagnosis of luxating patellas, as it is an inherited trait, and I would think it would have presented itself sooner than now. Also, there are a few different types of arthritis, so a diagnosis by a trained professional is paramount to treatment.

Jean responds:

Bichons also get back problems (discs) from the jumping on and off of furniture.
If they have been active doing the jumping, then eventually, they will have problems.
Make sure they are drinking plenty of water to keep the joints lubricated also.
Make an appointment with the vet to discuss the issue at hand.