Arthritis in dogs

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects one or more joints. It most often occurs in dogs with inherited orthopedic conditions such as osteochondrosis and hip dysplasia, or in those that have had joint damage. Some cases of arthritis are associated with immune-mediated or infectious joint damage.

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects one in five dogs during their lifetime. It is not just a problem for older dogs. Hip dysplasia, torn cruciate ligaments, luxating patellas, joint trauma, and other joint injuries can cause degenerative arthritis to develop even in young dogs. Large dogs are more likely to be affected than small dogs. Heavier dogs are more likely to develop symptoms because their ligaments and joints are under extra strain.

Dogs with degenerative arthritis experience varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain that are more pronounced in the morning and after a nap. They often show increased irritability and behavioral changes associated with increasing weakness. Cold and damp environments increase pain and stiffness. Degenerative arthritis is a progressive disease that makes a dog's life miserable.

X-ray examination of the joints, bone spurs (osteophytes) at the points of attachment of ligaments and joint capsule to the bone help in establishing the diagnosis. The level of narrowing of the joint space and increase in bone density around the joint can vary.

Treatment of osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease has no cure, but therapy can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life. Treatment includes physical therapy; weight management; analgesics and corticosteroids to relieve pain and improve function; and chondroprotectors to restore joint cartilage and prevent further damage. An alternative approach to treating arthritis in dogs that has shown good results is acupuncture. All of these methods should be used simultaneously.

Acupuncture and physical therapy are alternative or complementary ways to make life more comfortable for a dog with arthritis.

In severe cases, some dogs may benefit from surgically fusing painful joints, such as the hock or elbow, to relieve pain and restore movement to the limb.

Physiotherapy

Moderate exercise is good because it maintains muscle mass and joint flexibility. Excessive exercise, however, can be counterproductive. Dogs with arthritis should not jump or stand on their hind legs. Dogs in pain should exercise on a leash. Veterinary physical therapists can help develop an exercise (and weight loss) program.

An excellent exercise that increases muscle mass without putting too much stress on the joints is swimming. The load can be increased as the dog's condition improves with medication. It is important to ensure that overweight dogs lose weight. Excess weight makes osteoarthritis much more difficult to treat.