Immune-mediated arthritis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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This is an unusual group of diseases in which antibodies directed against the dog's own connective tissue lead to the development of erosive or non-erosive arthritis. With non-erosive arthritis, an inflammatory process occurs, but there is no tissue destruction.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an erosive arthritis that mostly occurs around the age of 4 years in small house dogs and other small breeds, such as shelties. It is characterized by morning stiffness, intermittent claudication and edema of small joints, mainly of the ankles and hocks. Concomitant symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite and lymphadenopathy.
Non-erosive arthritis often occurs in dogs of medium and large size at about 5-6 years of age. The reason for its development is unknown. Symptoms of non-erosive arthritis are intermittent fever, loss of appetite, joint swelling and lameness, which often changes from one limb to another. One form of non-erosive arthritis occurs with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Diagnosis of immune-mediated arthritis is established on the basis of x-ray examination of joints and specific laboratory tests. Analysis of synovial fluid helps distinguish between immune-mediated arthritis and infectious and osteoarthritis.
Treatment: Immune-mediated arthritis responds to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, including corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic drugs. The course of treatment can last eight weeks or even longer. Your veterinarian may use several medications or a combination of them in order to determine which protocol works best for your dog. Rheumatoid arthritis responds to medication worse than non-erosive arthritis.
Mild or moderate physical activity is useful, but grueling workouts that can be carried out during periods of remission can damage joints and should be banned. Dogs that are overweight should be put on a diet with a limited number of calories. In fact, it will be even better if the dog is a little thin. Discuss this point with your veterinarian.
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