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 Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, is a common problem in dogs. Large breeds and older dogs are especially prone. Arthritis can result from injury, infection, developmental defects, immune disorders, or simply chronic wear and tear. Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is the most common form of arthritis in dogs, and these terms are often used interchangeably. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones breaks down over time. Normally, cartilage allows smooth, frictionless motion in the joint. With arthritis, the cartilage gets rough and ultimately wears away, exposing the sensitive bone underneath. Pain, inflammation and stiffness result. The joint loses its stability and bone spurs develop. This yields more pain and stiffness. Arthritis can happen in any joint in the dog’s body such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and spine. It is a progressive disease, in that it gets worse over time. It is often associated with older age, but occurs in younger dogs as well.
Causes
There are many causes of arthritis in dogs. The most common is DJD, a result of chronic wear and tear. DJD is more common in medium- to large-breed dogs, who put more stress on their joints by virtue of their size. Other causes of arthritis include:
- Injury (e.g., ruptured cruciate ligament, fractures involving the joint). Injured joints may become chronically unstable, causing wear and tear to cartilage and other joint structures resulting in arthritis.
- Congenital joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, luxating patella, Wobbler’s syndrome). These are problems in which joints develop abnormally in the young dog, only to cause joint instability and arthritis later on.
- Infection (e.g., Lyme disease, septic arthritis). Bacteria or other organisms invade the joint, causing destructive inflammation.
- Inflammatory joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, immune-mediated arthritis). Common in people, but less often seen in dogs, this set of disorders occurs when the animal’s own immune system attacks the joint, leading to arthritis.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of arthritis depend on the dog’s age and the joints that are involved. A typical sign is a stiff or altered gait as the dog avoids bearing down on the affected limb. A dog with shoulder trouble may balk at going downstairs. A dog with arthritic hips may no longer be able to jump into the car. Symptoms are often worse when a dog first gets up from a rest. Because the pain is dull and chronic, a dog with arthritis is not likely to cry out in pain. In fact an arthritic dog may just seem to be “slowing down,” a symptom often dismissed as normal aging. Chronic disuse can lead to noticeable muscle atrophy of the affected limb. Joint swelling may be visible when lower limb joints are affected. Cold and damp conditions make arthritis worse. An arthritic dog may seek warm, soft places for comfort, or may endlessly lick at the painful area.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will start with a good history and complete physical exam, including gait analysis and careful palpation of the joints. X-rays can help confirm the diagnosis. Additional testing such as bloodwork, urinalysis, joint taps for bacterial culture and cell analysis, or even biopsy may be needed if infection or inflammatory joint disease are suspected. CT scans and MRI’s, the gold standards for diagnosing joint problems in people, are becoming increasingly available at specialty animal clinics.
Treatment
Treatment for arthritis depends on the cause. Infectious and inflammatory joint disease are usually treated with medication. Surgery can be indicated for joint injury (e.g., cruciate ligament rupture) or congenital joint disease (such as a luxating patella). Hip replacement is becoming increasingly available for dogs with hip dysplasia and DJD of the hips. But for the majority of cases, treatment is first aimed at alleviating pain and slowing the progression of disease.
A few simple lifestyle changes are crucial for any arthritic dog:
- Weight management
Weight management is the first step to managing DJD. Getting your dog to slim down decreases the strain on damaged joints. Consult your veterinarian for an appropriate weight control program for your dog.
- Keep your dog moving
Regular amounts of low-impact exercise actually improve arthritis symptoms by decreasing stiffness and strengthening the muscles that support the joints. Leash walks on soft surfaces, swimming, and treadmill walking can be beneficial. “Warm up” and “cool down” periods before and after exercise are essential. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate exercise program for your dog.
- Make life easier
Arthritic dogs can benefit from ramps to avoid the need to use stairs. Elevated feeders are more comfortable for dogs with neck or back problems. Placing throw rugs on bare floors can help a rickety old dog gain traction and prevent painful falls. A warm, padded dog bed is a must.
Medications
There are several types of medication currently used in the treatment of canine arthritis. Your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan best tailored to your dog’s needs. Many of these drugs are variants of what humans with arthritis might take. Note: Arthritis drugs can be toxic to dogs. Never administer any prescription or non-prescription medication to your dog unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
- Disease Modifying Agents (DMAs
This class of drugs works to slow the progression of disease. These may also provide mild pain relief. DMAs do a variety of things including strengthening collagen, enriching joint fluid, or decreasing toxic chemicals in the joint. Examples include Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulfate, Polysulfated Glucosaminoglycan (Adequan®), Hyaluronic Acid and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). DMAs are usually well tolerated and cause few side effects. Thus they are often prescribed early on when arthritis symptoms are still mild.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS
NSAIDS are the cornerstone of treatment for many dogs with painful arthritis. Rimadyl®, Deramaxx® and Meloxicam®, among others, are strong and effective painkillers made especially for dogs. However, they are not risk-free. Severe liver and stomach problems can occur, so your veterinarian will monitor your dog with regular exams and bloodwork. Please note that over-the-counter NSAIDS such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen can be dangerous in dogs. These and other painkillers should never be given to a dog without specific orders from your veterinarian.
- Corticosteroids
Prednisone, triamcinolone and related drugs are very effective for arthritis pain, but cause undesirable side effects as well. Increased thirst, urination, hunger and agitation are some short-term side effects. Long-term use can cause unwanted weight gain and actually destabilize joints by weakening muscles, tendons and ligaments associated with those joints. Corticosteroids are only used for occasional flare-ups or when other treatments fail.
- Newer Pain Medications
Several new painkillers, such as Tramadol and Gabapentin, have emerged in recent years. These can be used alone, but are especially effective when combined with an NSAID. Your veterinarian is best qualified to determine which “cocktail” of anti-arthritis drugs is best for your dog.
Physical and Alternative Therapies
Some regions of the country now have specialized clinics for dogs that offer therapeutic massage, aquatherapy, chiropractic, or even acupuncture. Your veterinarian may be able to provide a referral. Physical therapy is something you can do at home. It might be as simple as performing gentle massage or flexion/extension exercises. Warm compresses can soothe aching joints. Consult your veterinarian for specific instructions.
Prognosis
Arthritis isn’t curable, but with proper care, most arthritic dogs can enjoy a good quality of life for many years to come.
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
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