Arthritis and Joint Health
Joints are susceptible to a number of diseases, including arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Any condition that damages a joint may produce arthritis. Causes of these conditions may include degenerative disorders, trauma, infections, and immune disorders. The most common of these is osteoarthritis, a disease most often associated with old age.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable joint. The cartilage acts as a cushion, and when it wears away joints become swollen and painful causing mobility to be impaired. Osteoarthritis is progressive, meaning it continues to get worse.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of wear and tear on an otherwise normal joint and occurs as the dog ages. This is called primary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may also occur as a result of another condition affecting the joint such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Then it is called secondary osteoarthritis.
Any dog with a congenital joint problem, like dysplasia or patella luxation, is going to be more prone to developing osteoarthritis. Dogs that have had injury to a joint such as a fracture involving the joint, or a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in the knee will also be more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
What to look out for at home
In general, the first symptoms may be a limp or altered gait since the dog will try to put more of its weight on the unaffected limbs. There may be muscle loss in the affected limb because the dog is using it less, or putting less weight on it. Often the dog may find it difficult to get up after lying down and appears stiff. He may also be unable to jump up into the car. Many dogs find it difficult to go up or down stairs. Often arthritic dogs will reduce their activity, lagging behind on walks and resting more frequently. Depending on how bad the pain is, there may be changes in appetite and demeanor. Occasionally they cry out on pain when playing or being touched.
The symptoms of arthritis tend to be slow in onset and varied. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms please bring him in for a check up.
Diagnosis
Most cases of arthritis in older dogs especially can be diagnosed from clinical examination and history alone. In some cases we may choose to take x-rays of the affected jobs to aid diagnosis. In younger dogs showing these symptoms we will usually recommend x-rays of the affected limbs to look for congenital joint disease.
Management of Osteoarthritis
Weight management:
Obesity is detrimental as the joints are being made to carry extra weight. In any overweight patient with arthritis we find that weight loss alone really helps. We have many diets available to help in weight management. Make an appointment with us for more advice on this.
Exercise:
Gentle, frequent exercise is advisable. Exercise is restricted whist maintaining adequate movement to increase or maintain muscle mass. Swimming is a great low impact form of exercise that dogs of all ages can enjoy.
Provide warmth and good sleeping areas:
Your dog should always have a warm, comfortable place to sleep with plenty of bedding provided to protect sore joints. Always keep your dog as dry as possible and out of drafty areas.
Anti-inflammatories and Pain Relief:
We have a range of prescription drugs which are strong and effective painkillers. They work to reduce inflammation in the affected joints and make your pet more comfortable. They can be used as required or are safe for long term use.
Agents to promote healthy cartilage:
Glucosamine and chondroitin are non prescription supplements that can be given safely daily with or without anti-inflammatories. They are not pain killers but work to regenerate and protect the cartilage. Human preparations from health food shops can be used, although we find best results are achieved with the canine formulated products such as Cosequin.
Cartrophen Vet is an injection which works to slow the progression of arthritis by preventing breakdown of cartilage and stimulating production of cartilage components. By doing so it helps to reduce pain in the joint and increases range of pain-free movement. It is given as a loading course of weekly injection for 4 weeks and then onto a maintenance dose. 8/10 dogs will respond quickly and for many it negates the need for anti-inflammatories as well.
Surgery:
In young animals with an underlying congenital disease causing arthritis such as hip and elbow dysplasia surgery may be an option. Pioneering operations such as hip replacements in hip dysplasia patients are becoming more common with good results.
Prognosis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, progressive disease i.e. it will continue to worsen. However, the various medical managements available to us help to slow down the progression and many dogs respond well and can live comfortably for years.
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