Everything you should know about dog arthritis

Arthritis is common in pets, especially as they age. These tips from Dr Martin Feldberg will help both you and your dog cope with dog arthritis…

Everything you should know about dog arthritis

Dogs are living longer with advanced veterinary medicine and excellent nutrition, but as they age, things that were once easy now become an effort. Chasing a ball becomes a stiff walk or jumping up to your bed no longer happens and getting up from the floor brings on a groan.

This article will help you to understand everything you need to know about arthritis starting from the basics and continuing with explanations on why and how.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a very common disease both in humans and dogs. As lifespan grows – arthritis becomes more and more common. Arthritis is not a single disease, it is just a way to refer to joint pain or joint diseases. There are many types of arthritis. It can cause permanent joint changes either in one or more joints depending on the cause.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease in dogs and is a major cause of disability. OA is mainly characterized by activation of inflammatory processes at a molecular level, ultimately leading to a gradual deterioration of the cartilage. When cartilage – the natural cushioning surface on both ends of bones – wears away, bones start to rub against each other. The resulting friction causes pain and loss of mobility. Inflammation in the joint can also lead to the development of bony growths called spurs.

It is estimated that one in five dogs suffers from this debilitating disease, which significantly reduces their mobility and causes severe pain. Typically, arthritis is a problem seen in older dogs (a problem for every second dog), but the condition can develop from an early age following problems with bone and joint development.

What Causes Arthritis?

For a long time, it was believed that arthritis is caused by “wear and tear” of joints over time. However, now it is regarded as a disease of the joint. Development of OA can be contributed by many factors.

Weight can be large contributor to development of OA since being overweight puts additional pressure on hips and joints. Many years of excess weight inflicting extra pressure on cartilage will cause it to break down faster. Excess fat tissue also produces more inflammatory chemicals that contribute to damaging the joints.

Injury or overuse also lead to having an increased risk of OA. Repetitive movements or occurred injuries such as fractures, surgery or ligament damage can speed cartilage breakdown process. Most cases develop because of abnormal rubbing within the joint caused by joint instability after ligament damage, damage to or abnormal cartilage development, or damage caused by trauma such as fractures.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Any joint in your dog’s body can be affected by OA, but usually, OA develops in hips, elbows, knees, wrists, shoulders, ankles and the lower back.

Since osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, the initial symptoms can be tricky to spot. Over time, you may find that your dog is less keen to be active. It may also have lameness in his limbs. These symptoms may get worse when the dog is inactive for long periods of time or in the colder, damper weather.

The clinical signs of dog arthritis usually appear gradually and slowly worsen over time. The first joint pain dog symptoms are often so mild that the owners often miss them.

So how do you recognize Arthritis in a dog?

Here are some signs, which could indicate that your dog has arthritis:

• Intermittent lameness
• Reluctance to rise or move
• Stiffness (especially after vigorous exercise or prolonged periods of rest; “bunny-hopping” gait)
• Swollen joints; may be warm and tender
• Visible joint deformities
• Painful joints (when touched/palpated or moved)
• Prolonged periods of rest (sleeps more than usual)
• Exercise intolerance; disinterest in physical activity
• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Irritability
• Aggression when joints are touched
• Appetite loss
• Abnormal stance when walking (pelvis tucked under; using hind legs with exaggerated care)

How to Diagnose?

It is best to seek the help of your veterinarian to diagnose arthritis. Since arthritis may not be the only cause of the symptoms – only a veterinarian can make diagnosis of osteoarthritis.