Dogs with arthritis can have good days and bad days, much like their human counterparts, and with any chronic condition there may be days where your dog experiences a flare up (sudden re-appearance of their symptoms) and these need to be managed to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.
Why does arthritis come and go? As mentioned above, dogs with OA can have good and bad days. An OA “flare up” is when a dog experiences a relapse of their OA clinical signs and joint pain; sadly, these OA flare ups commonly occur in chronically arthritic patients.
For some people, flares are an inevitable part of the arthritis journey. They are often temporary, but it can be difficult to tell whether this sudden escalation in symptoms will pass or whether it's a signal that you need to make changes to your treatment plan to prevent progression of your disease.
Pain management: From time to time arthritic dogs will have flare ups resulting in acute pain episodes. They will have a day when they are extremely stiff and slow and may not even be able to get up. These episodes frequently follow a day of exercise when they overdid it a bit.
The three main causes of osteoarthritis are: Wear and tear of the joints due to age, especially in overweight dogs. Joint damage in growing puppies, usually in larger breeds, due to some combination of genetics, over exercise, rapid growth and incorrect diet.
Stiffness and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Limping, trembling, or tenderness when walking. Trouble climbing stairs or jumping up on couches and chairs. Less interest in going for walks or engaging in other activities.
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
Arthritis flare-ups can last one to two days, or they can last a week or more. Can arthritis flare-ups cause a fever? Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause fever along with joint symptoms.
Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise. Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog.
People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog's arthritis symptoms worse.
The joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis is usually a throbbing and aching pain. It is often worse in the mornings and after a period of inactivity.
Pain from arthritis can be ongoing or can come and go. It may occur when you're moving or after you have been still for some time. You may feel pain in one spot or in many parts of your body.
Research suggests autumn may be the sweet spot for RA, while winter and spring are the most challenging.
Most commonly, arthritis affects older dogs and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. But it can also be the result of: an injury such as ligament damage or broken bones. hip dysplasia, which is a deformity of the joints, often caused by bad breeding.
Pre-Osteoarthritis (STAGE 0-1)
In contrast, stage 1 dogs are clinically normal (not showing any signs of OA), but at risk due to the presence of one or more risk factors, e.g. breed disposition, joint injury, intense activity, and/or radiographic signs of dysplasia or joint trauma.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that needs life-long management. Arthritis slowly worsens over time, but if well managed, most dogs can live happily for many years after diagnosis. Let your vet know if you think your dog's pain isn't well controlled or you see symptoms returning.
Physical therapy, like appropriate forms of regular exercise, as mentioned earlier can be extremely beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Many owners also find hydrotherapy, or water therapy, helpful. Holistic therapies, like acupuncture, can be useful as well.
Causes of Inflammation of the Joints in Dogs
Inflammation of the joints in dogs occurs when the cartilage within a joint has undergone a change or is damaged. This joint becomes rough and the bone surfaces of the joint rub together, causing inflammation.
In summary, the best medical recommendation for dogs with arthritis is that they should exercise regularly, ideally 30-60 minutes every day, and not engage in high-impact activities such as running, jumping and rough play.
End-stage arthritis is the progressive wearing down of the cartilage that is present between the bones of a joint causing the bones to come in contact with each other and painfully rub against each other during movement of the joint. This results in severe pain with loss of movement and function.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints.
Overview of Arthritis
In some types, other organs, such as your eyes, heart, or skin, can also be affected. Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, heat, and swelling in your joints.