Arthritis is inflammation of the
joints, and can cause degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is estimated that arthritis affects
approximately 20% of all dogs. Arthritis
is also more common in dogs that are overweight or obese. It also results from hip dysplasia and
ligament injuries.
Signs of arthritis may be mild, such
as stiffness and difficulty getting up, or may be more severe, as limping or
difficulty climbing stairs. Some dogs
with arthritis are less interested in interaction with family members and
become irritable or aggressive.
Diagnosing arthritis is sometimes
easy, but is more difficult in early or mild stages. A physical examination may demonstrate joint
pain or decreased range of motion in a joint.
Many times, X-rays are necessary to the stage of the disease, and also
help determine the prognosis. Also,
since arthritis is treated with various medications, blood tests are
recommended to determine the health of organ systems that are needed to process
the medications in your dog’s body.
Treatment of arthritis is four-fold:
1.
Pain control –
Medications for pain control for dogs abound.
Not long ago, we could use only corticosteroids (such as prednisone),
and few non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS, such as aspirin). Both of these medications can have serious
side-effects and are used much less now.
More recently, we have at least five FDA-approved NSAIDS for use in
dogs.
2.
Weight
management – Preventing or treating obesity in dogs is necessary to help slow
the progression of arthritis. Increased
joint stress leads to worsening arthritis because of increased joint stress.
3.
Nutritional
support – This means supplementing substances essential to joint health –
condroitin sulfate and glucosamine. These
are “neutraceuticals” and not regulated by the FDA. Some dog foods have this added in; sometimes
we will give it as a chewable pill once or twice daily.
4.
Moderate
exercise – Exercise is also very important in treating dogs with
arthritis. Joints are made to be
moved. If they don’t move, they become
stiff. Start with 10 minutes daily
walking for a week, then increase to 15 minutes per day for a week, then
gradually increase to 30 minutes per day walking. Swimming is also excellent exercise for increasing
joint mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Massage can also help soothe sore joints.
If
you have any questions about arthritis, or any other concerns about your older
pets’ health, please do not hesitate to contact us.