Canine Arthritis
" Canine Arthritis in general refers to joint inflammation, but in a broad sense it is related to any damage caused to the joints. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Oosteoarthritis affects almost half of all of U.S. pets. It may be caused by trauma (injury), fractures, developmental disorders, hormonal diseases, metabolic disorders, cancerous and degenerating osteopathies (problems with the muscle and skeletal systems that help a dog move). Arthritis in older dogs is more common due to aging, a weakened immune system and the greater possibility of accidents and development of pathological conditions. In older dogs different joints can be affected. Common symptoms of arthritis in dogs are stiffness, lameness, noticeable pain, inability to jump or climb inclined surfaces. Signs are more severe after rest or sleep. Definite diagnosis of dog arthritis is done through the completion of a detailed clinical history and examination, additional laboratory tests. X-Rays are also helpful in identifying the exact cause of the problem. Treatment is done on the basis of the diagnosis with help of therapeutics, supportive measures and sometimes surgery. Additional nutritional management and care is needed. Natural remedies are other ways to reduce symptoms and strengthen muscle and joint health. ."
Causes of Canine Arthritis:
Arthritis may occur at any age. Older dogs are more prone to the condition due to a weakened immune system and degrading health. Obesity or being over weight is another accompanying factor for dog arthritis. Arthritis primarily refers to inflammation of the joints, which is caused either as a primary condition or secondary condition. Secondary means that the arthritis is the result of another problem in the body.
Different pathological and non pathological factors, like trauma, degeneration, aging, cancers, developmental disorders, and nutritional deficiencies etc are some common causes of arthritis in dogs, particularly older dogs.
Also, arthritis in older dogs that involves inflammation of the joints is caused more often by pathological conditions (disease) and deficiencies. Accidents and traumas are considered secondary causative factors.
The following are some common causes of arthritis in dogs:
- Traumas
- Rupture and non pathological conditions of the ligaments, muscles and tendons.
- Fractures of joints, bones close to joints
- Congenital disorders (inherited) and anatomical disorders such as dyplasias, luxated patella and various musculoskeletal syndromes
- Over weight
Less known conditions:
- Metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies, such as hemophilia, glucosamine deficiency etc.
- Joint cancer or neoplasia, Synovial cell carcinomas are most common malignant tumors which causes arthritis in older dogs
- Generalized inflammatory and infectious diseases and degeneration of spinal joints
Dog Arthritis Podcast
This is a podcast from the American Veterinary Medical Association with helpful information on arthritis in dogs.
Symptoms of Canine Arthritis:
Dog Arthritis can be caused by any of the different aforementioned pathological and non pathological conditions, each of these conditions have specific clinical representations, but arthritis or problems with joints can be identified by some common symptoms.
Picture Immune mediated
arthritis in a Golden retriever Dog
The most common signs of arthritis in are:
- Lameness or appears to have stiff or sore joints
- Joint swelling
- Progressive degeneration or atrophy of the joints and concerned muscles
- Noticeable pain, may whimper or bark when touched
- Loss of interest in exercise
- Inability to jump or climb inclined places like stairs
- Has a difficult time standing or sitting
- Sleeping more than usual
- Gain in weight
- Personality change
- Decreased alertness
Dog arthritis symptoms such as lameness, abnormal gait, severe pain and stress are more noticeable soon after exercise, rest or sleep.
Generalized symptoms such as illness, anorexia (appetite loss) and loss of condition are some other signs associated with systemic diseases and cancers.
Picture Dog Arthritis
Immune mediated arthritis of carpus in a Golden Retriever Dog
Diagnosis of Canine Arthritis:
Clinical history and examination is the initial step toward identification of this condition. Clinical history is more important in deciding possible cause, particularly when assessing arthritis in older dogs. Counseling regarding different musculoskeletal and nutritional diseases that occurred during the life span of patients may help in identification of the disease. Since many musculoskeletal diseases are chronic in nature, a clinical history is important to know if any previous condition in the dogs history has progressed to severe arthritis in older age.
Clinical history and examination can help, but they cannot confirm the exact cause, thus additional tests, including blood work, bone mass density tests, and a biopsy (test of tissue sample) might be needed to explore different possibilities for the problem. X-rays are also an effective tools for identifying any anatomical deformities, degenerations and growths over the joints.
Treatment of Canine Arthritis:
Pain control is often the focus of dog arthritis treatment in addition to the use of natural supplements and remedies to reduce the severity of symptoms.l
The specific dog arthritis treatment selected is dependent upon the possible underlying cause. Different inflammatory drugs, anti-rheumatics, chemotherapeutics, and steroidal preparations may be of help moreover, nutritional management is essential through supplements such as glucosamine, fatty acids, omega-3, chondroitin and some synthetic proteins and fats.
Surgery is another way to treat some forms of arthritis in dogs, especially cases caused by non pathological factors (accidents, trauma etc.), anatomical deformities, disorders and progressive cancers.
In addition, weight reduction processes, regular light exercises, massage, placement of warm compresses are some other ways necessary to manage the arthritis. These measures help in reducing symptoms and keeping joints in function.
Herbal remedies or natural preparations such as Muscle and Joint Support and Immunity and Liver support can be used to improve joint and muscle health and as a way of reducing canine arthritis symptoms. These natural remedies can be used on a regular basis in dogs of any age to enhance muscle strength, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments, and to reduce the chance of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases in old age.
Have an Arthritis Related Question or Helpful Story?
Have a Question, Request or Want to Share a Story that could help others? Our editors and pet health professionals will answer 1 question per week for free!
References:
Merck Veterinary Manual (Merck & Co.)
American Veterinary Medical Assocation
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
