Dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than their feline counterparts with the larger dog breeds more at risk than the smaller breeds. As many pet owners know, arthritis is a joint disease with symptoms that can range from the mild to severe with the latter resulting in complete lameness. Although most cases of canine arthritis are of the moderate kind, it can still affect the pet’s quality of life.
Symptoms
The trick then is to know the symptoms as early as possible so that appropriate treatment can start. Just like in humans, canine arthritis is characterized by joint discomfort and pain although the dog will be unable to tell its owner about such signs. But there are ways that owners can be made aware of arthritis in their dogs by observing the following symptoms:
• Yelping, whining or growling its pain when touched especially on the joints and limbs
• Noticeable limping
• Reluctance to perform the activities related to play like jumping, running and climbing stairs
• Difficulty in changing positions especially on rising up off the floor
• Changes in behavior especially where touch is concerned
Like with most canine diseases, these symptoms asymptomatic in that these are similar to the signs of other dog disorders. The veterinarian is the best professional to ask for an opinion about these symptoms and the possibility of an underlying disease like arthritis. In fact, there are so many joint diseases affecting the canine species that veterinarians have to categorize them into 10 major classifications including osteoarthritis, immune-mediated and infective.
Causes
Just as there are many types of canine arthritis, there are many causes and factors, too. In most cases, two or more factors come into play such that it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, thus, the idiopathic classification of canine arthritis.
In any case, the most common causes by which dog arthritis develops are unrelated diseases of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles, joint fractures, joint developmental disorders (such as hip and elbow dysplasia), congenital disorders of the joints, hormonal and dietary disorders (like hyperparathyroidism and obesity, respectively), metabolic disorders, cancer, and joint inflammations.
Arthritis can also be the result of the natural aging process. In fact, a dog’s level of risk in contracting arthritis increases with age although younger dogs can develop it, too, when bone development is impaired during the growth process. It is safe to say that no dog is immune from the effects of arthritis mainly because every dog will become older.
Diagnosis
As with other dig diseases, a variety of diagnostic tools, technology and techniques are used to diagnose arthritis. These include complete physical examination, complete review of medical history, laboratory tests and radiography examinations. These diagnostic tools will be compared so that the specific form of arthritis can be pinpointed.
Treatment
At present, there are neither prevention methods nor total cures for canine arthritis. Although medical advances have been made in recent years, the best that can be done for a dog diagnosed with arthritis is to provide assistance in the improvement of its quality of life. Basically, this means that the symptoms will be treated with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and medications including nutritional supplements. This holds true for both older and younger dogs with various types of arthritis.
Of course, surgery like joint and hip replacement is also an option. The main problem lies in the ultra-expensive costs of such surgical procedures that many, if not most, pet owners will choose the medical management route of their pet’s health condition. Just so readers will be informed: The average cost for hip replacement is $5,000 without pet insurance and excluding other incidental costs.
The medical management plan involves diet, exercise and environmental conditions on one hand as well as medications and supplements on the other hand. These components are presented in the order by which veterinarians will recommend to owners. The veterinarian will then work his way down the list – add to the existing lifestyle methods, that is – as necessary in order to control the symptoms specifically the discomfort, pain and inflammation.
• Diet – The owner must strictly monitor the dog’s caloric intake as well as the quantity and quality of nutrients consumed on a daily basis. A healthy diet is essential in keeping an ideal weight for the breed. Take note that the weight is an important part of arthritis management since too much weight puts too much pressure into the joints, thus, exacerbating the symptoms.
• Exercise – This component of arthritis management serves multiple functions. First, it provides for a good range of motion that builds up the protective muscles around the joints as well as allow for more lubrication flowing to these body parts. Second, along with a healthy diet, it helps in weight management. Each dog must have a personalized exercise program since too much or too little activity can worsen arthritis. Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming are highly recommended.
• Warmth – This does not refer to physical companionship and emotional love but to environmental conditions. Arthritic dogs can find relief from warm and comfortable resting and sleeping areas. Keeping the room warm and placing orthopedic foam on the dog’s bed are guaranteed to improve your pets’ quality of life despite the arthritis.
• Massage and Physical Therapy – These must first be demonstrated by expert professionals before attempting to do at home. Massage helps in relaxing stiff muscles while physical therapy assists the dog in learning to walk with less pain.
• Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents - the two most popular are glucosamine and chondroitin, which are also used for human arthritis. Other medications and supplements include tetracyclines (inhibit breakdown of cartilage), polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (synthesis of new cartilage) and hyaluronic acid (increased viscosity of joint fluid), among others.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs like buffered aspirin and corticosteroids are used to lessen the inflammation and, hence, speed up healing.
Obviously, the main complications of canine arthritis are the lessened ability to walk properly, to perform daily activities and to just enjoy a good level of quality of life. Seek treatment for your pet dog today and help it triumph over arthritis.
