Osteoarthritis, often referred to simply as arthritis, is a degenerative condition of the joints and is very common in dogs. Although there is no cure, veterinarians can offer a range of treatments to manage arthritis by delaying its progression and keeping dogs mobile and comfortable.
Dogs can start to show signs of arthritis as early as 1 year of age. According to the Vet Times (pdf), the degenerative joint condition can be found in 20% of dogs before their first year and 80% of more senior dogs at or over age 8.
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!
Factors contributing to a dog developing arthritis include aging, congenital joint disorders like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, elbow dysplasia, old injuries, repeated trauma to joints, activity levels in working and athletic dogs placing increased stress on joints, obesity, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes ...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
To diagnose arthritis, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and check the joint areas for pain. Blood tests and X-rays may be ordered to rule out other ailments, such as bone cancer. These diagnostic tests will show how severely the joints have been affected and help guide the treatment plan.
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.
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.
Can arthritis be cured? Unfortunately not. Once cartilage in your dog's joint(s) has been damaged it rarely repairs itself completely. But many pets can successfully be made pain free by appropriate long-term use of medication and sensible management to control further deterioration.
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.
Sadly, there is no cure for this common condition as it is progressive and can worsen over time, affecting your pet's quality of life. However, there are several treatment options available and holistic ways to help manage your dog's arthritis at home.
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.
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
The First Time You Notice Symptoms, Take Your Dog to the Vet. No matter how young or old, if your dog starts showing signs of arthritis for the first time you should take him or her to the vet. Common first symptoms to look out for include limping and stiffness after first getting up or starting to exercise.
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.
It affects 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years old, and potentially up to 35% of dogs of all ages. It is considered a welfare concern in companion animals such as dogs, especially if left untreated. Arthritis is often considered to be a disease of old age, however unfortunately it can occur in dogs of any age.
Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel provide a great source of the omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for our dogs, which are known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in dogs with arthritis.
Turmeric – As a type of spice rich in antioxidants, turmeric can help reduce inflammation and damage to your dog's joints. The recommended intake is 0.5-1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per day or about 15-20 mg based on your pet's body weight. Comfrey – Comfrey has pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
How will my veterinarian diagnose arthritis in my dog? The most common way to diagnose arthritis is with an x-ray (also called radiograph). X-rays indicate joint swelling or changes to the bone, such as thickening or bone spurs. Depending on your dog, sedation might be needed to get a clear x-ray.