Since the degeneration of the joints and increase in joint inflammation tend to be progressive over time, dogs may go through various stages of osteoarthritis. Sometimes arthritis progresses quickly and other times that progression may take years.
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that can be managed. With proper care and frequent physical exams, dogs with osteoarthritis commonly live a normal life expectancy!
It is usually highly inflammatory and will progress throughout the dog's life. There is no cure for canine osteoarthritis, but it can be treated and managed to allow dogs to maintain a good quality of life.
Dogs usually get arthritis from the age of 8 years onwards. These are seniors and arthritis around this age is not uncommon. However, some dogs can experience arthritis from an incredibly young age. With some dogs showing signs of arthritis from as young as one year old.
Mild Osteoarthritis (STAGE 2)
A dog's mobility is likely affected during some activities, such as playing fetch. There may be subtle stiffness in gait, asymmetry, lameness and changes in static bodyweight distribution.
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.
Stage 4: Pain can be severe at this stage. Lack of mobility is a life threatening disease – dogs who can't get up or walk anymore usually are euthanized. This is the stage we are trying to prevent by intervening early. At this stage, the pet may resist, cry or even scream when the joint range of motion is tested.
Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees.
Many dog parents find themselves asking the question, “Can arthritis in dogs come on suddenly?” The symptoms of arthritis in dogs often start slowly and get worse over time. Dog parents may miss the early stages of the disease when their four-legged friends are experiencing only a small amount of discomfort.
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.
Attaining and maintaining a lean body conformation through proper nutrition and feeding practices is the most important cornerstone of effective osteoarthritis management and prevention. It has been shown that skinny dogs have less arthritis and a longer life expectancy!
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.
Certain large breed dogs are more prone to arthritis and decreased mobility. Those dog breeds include Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, German shepherds and Rottweilers. Excess weight on your dog means excess stress on the joints and cartilage, which can lead to arthritis and joint health problems.
During an acute (sudden) flare up of lameness we advise 3-5 days of complete rest, followed by a gradual return to normal exercise. Otherwise, arthritic dogs need exercise or they become stiff. We advise regular exercise, preferably 2-3 shorter walks a day rather than one long walk.
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.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a major role in controlling dog joint pain and inflammation. Prescription medications such Galliprant, Carprofen, and Meloxicam are the safest options for controlling pain and inflammation compared to over-the-counter, non-veterinary products.
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.
Signs to look for include:
Swelling in affected joints; if a joint appears swollen or feels hot to the touch. This will often be associated with pain and they may react when you touch the area. Joint infection can also cause similar signs so if you notice this, you should always contact your vet.
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.
Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, lameness, or limping after rest; appetite loss or unusual weight gain; inactivity and sleeping more; reluctance to walk, run or climb stairs; unusual urinating in the house; and irritability and other behavioral changes.
Tiredness. Your pet will get tired from all the worrying about his arthritis or osteoarthritis pain. That's why dogs with this condition will often end up sleeping all the 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.
Osteoarthritis of the hips and knees may eventually lead to hind leg weakness. This may cause your dog to have difficulty rising or walking and you may notice his or her hind legs collapsing. Additionally, arthritis may affect the front legs, back, and other joints.
Stairs aren't always a bad thing for dogs with arthritis. In fact, walking UP stairs can be a great way to help improve active range of motion, muscle strength, and proprioception (the awareness of the position and movement of the body).