Arthritis in dogs is a common condition, especially in large breed and senior dogs. Just as with humans, age, use and stress on the joints can cause various symptoms of arthritis such as limping, stiffness, and a reluctance to run or jump. Arthritis is a progressive condition, but identifying the problems in their early stages and seeking appropriate management can help keep your dog active and improve his quality of life.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is known in veterinary medicine as as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). DJD is a progressive condition, where the spaces between the joints become inflamed, caused by the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage is connective tissue that acts as a cushion to allow the joints to move smoothly, but in cases of arthritis, this cartilage cushion breaks down due to use, age, injury, repeated load stress, or degenerative disease. As this protective cushion breaks down, pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and the formation of bone spurs can emerge.
Are Specific Breeds at Risk for Arthritis?
Although any dog can develop arthritis, particularly as they age, there are some factors that can predispose your dog developing arthritis.
- Large and Giant Breeds: Breeds such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd dogs are predisposed as a result of their size. The bigger the dog, the more stress and wear-and-tear is placed on the joints.
- Age: Just as with people, the older the dog, the more likely he is prone to developing joint and back issues.
- Improper nutrition: For dogs, especially puppies and younger dogs, who are not fed a proper diet rich in minerals and nutrients, this can adversely effect joint development and lead to issues later in life.
- Repetitive stress: For dogs who are very active, or compete in agility, they are predisposed to arthritis due to wear and tear on joints and ligaments.
- Fractures or Ligament Tears: Dogs who have suffered trauma to bones, such as hip fractures or long-bone fractures, are likely to face issues as they age. Also, dogs who have suffered soft tissue injuries to ligaments and tendons may also be predisposed.
- Infections: Dogs that have suffered infections affecting the joints, caused by such disease processes as Lyme Disease are also at risk.
- Conformation: Dogs who have congenital issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, may face arthritis in those joints down the road.
- Genetics: Certain dog breeds such as Dachshunds are prone to DJD in the back, and English Bulldogs are prone to elbow issues as a result of genetic selection.
If your dog is predisposed to developing arthritis, be sure to schedule regular exams with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight and active lifestyle, and most importantly, can detect signs of arthritis before they become debilitating.
What are the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?
Arthritis is a gradual condition, and it can be difficult to detect in the early stages, and the signs and symptoms often are not obvious until the joint has undergone degenerative joint damage. As a result, it is important to keep an eye on senior and larger breed dogs for early signs of joint disease. The signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Lameness, limping, generalized stiffness, or difficulty getting up from a resting position
- Lethargy or reluctance to participate in activities such as walks or playing
- Reluctance to run, jump, or play
- Gradual loss of muscle mass around the limbs and on the spine
- Changes in mood or behavior, irritability
- Licking of the affected joints
- Obesity or weight gain
- Yelling out in pain when petted, or when jumping up or down off of furniture
- Having difficulty posing to urinate or defecate, or incontinence
If you suspect your dog may have arthritis, contact your local veterinarian and schedule an exam. The veterinarian can perform a fill examination of your dog’s joints and assess range of motion. X-rays might be recommended as they can reveal the degree of degenerative joint disease, and can rule out other health issues.
How is Arthritis Managed?
Arthritis in dogs is a progressive disease, just as in humans. Preventing the development of osteoarthritis through diet, exercise, and the use of medications, physical therapy or protective joint supplements can be a good way to keep your dog comfortable. The goal to managing arthritis includes minimizing pain and inflammation, and keeping your dog as comfortable as possible. With this in mind, there are several ways to manager arthritis in your dog.
- Joint Supplements
These supplements usually come in the form of a tasty chew, and can help improve function, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of joint damage. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) are popular ingredients and they work to reduce inflammation, promoting healing, and increasing cartilage fluid which can provide more cushion for the joint.
- NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are prescription-only medications which can reduce pain and inflammation. However, with regular use, NSAIDs can put a load on the liver and kidneys, so your veterinarian may recommend blood work to make sure that those organs are functioning properly.
- Surgery
There are a number of surgical options that are available for dogs with arthritic conditions due to hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues, or degenerative disk disease. Whether or not surgery is recommended depends on the patient, and the nature of the joint disease.
- Physical therapy
Physical therapy is also another way to manage arthritis, and it involves specific activities designed to improve strength, range of motion and joint mobility without causing additional stress. It can be helpful in conjunction with other management methods such as medications and a weight-loss program.
- Nutraceuticals/ Prescription diets
There are many veterinary diets out there that specifically target joint issues in dogs. These prescriptions diets contain ingredients such as Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin sulphate, and Omega Fatty acids. These dietary supplements can help protect the joints by reducing inflammation and can safely be used long-term.
- Weight Management
In dogs just as in humans, it’s always best to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. In dogs with arthritis, carrying excess weight on weakened joints can exacerbate the breakdown of cartilage and cause pain. In younger dogs, obesity predisposes them to arthritis down the road. If your dog has a weight problem, work with your veterinarian to develop a diet and exercise plan to improve your dog’s health.
- Additional Treatments
Other treatments to help manage arthritis in your dog may include laser treatments, acupuncture or acupressure.
Arthritis is very common in both humans and dogs, and is often a result of the ongoing wear and tear of the joints, genetics, infection, or immune diseases. If you have questions, or suspect that your dog may have arthritis, schedule an examination with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is your best resource to help keep your best friend comfortable, happy and healthy.