Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) can effect pets of any age. It is a progressive and sometimes debilitating condition which causes joint and cartilage damage.
Approximately 40% of dogs silently suffer with chronic arthritis pain.
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- Slowing Down
- Limping after rest or activity
- Reluctance or hesitance to jump up or down from furniture, cars etc..
- Difficulty or reluctance to go up or down stairs
- Very slow or reluctance to sit or drop
- Not interested in in playing with toys, balls etc
- Reduced levels of activity, and interaction with family or other pets.
- Increased behavioural issues such as anxiety,
- Changes in mood
- Grumpy with other dogs or people
Causes for Arthritis in Dogs
- Abnormal development: Unfortunately conditions such as Elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia which occur as a result of abnormal joint development from a young age.
- Joint injuries or disease such as Cruciate ligament disease
- Wear and tear. The joints may become damaged with age. .
- Obesity. Increased weight and obesity will make arthritis worse and progress faster. .
- Genetics. Some dog breeds have an increased risk of arthritis. This is due to abnormal development of their cartilage in particular their elbows and hips.
How do we Diagnose Arthritis in dogs?
A medical history and physical exam can help us determine if you cat has Arthritis. Signs we may find include
- Visible joint thickening, scarring and fibrosis
- Lameness/limping
- Joint pain on examination
- Decreased range of motion/mobility
- Grating (scraping noise), also known as crepitus when the noted in moving joints.
- Swelling or Fluid in the joints, also called joint effusion
- Joint instability in cases of trauma such as cruciate ligament tears.
- Increased Muscle wastage, indicating reduced leg use
- Painful trigger point
X-rays Showing severe Hip Arthritis caused by Hip Dysplasia
- Synovan : Joint protectants also called Disease Modifying Agents ( DMOADS) such as Synovan, which is a protein called Pentosan Polysulphate – This treatment helps relieve arthritic pain, improves, improves joint lubrication, and reduces inflammation.
- Synovan is given as regular subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can greatly help reduce inflammation and pain.
- NSAIDS can be taylored to suit the needs of individual pets
- They can be initally given daily, reduced to a few times a week
- In some cases they may only be needed for a few days at a time when there is increased signs of pain or soreness
- NSAIDS may not be suitable if there are other underlying health issues such as kidney or liver disease.
- Joint Supplements such as Antinol plus which is a combination of Green lip mussel oil and krill oil, both potent antinflammatories or J/D Joint diet. can play a vital role in managing damaged joints and reducing further damage.
- Weight Management can reduce the load on damaged and painful joints, which in turn will reduce their ware and tare.
For cases of severe and chronic joint pain or damage we may also consider
- Beransa– is the latest Monoclonal Antibody biotherapy given as a monthly injection to reduce arthritis related joint pain. It is safe and proven to be incredibly effective in reducing chronic joint pain and has revolutionized how we manage these painful conditions. Read more about Beransa
- Stronger Pain Relief Medications – such as those used for neuropathic or nerve pain associated with spinal problems, or if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not appropriate or not sufficient.
- CBD OIL – There are many benefits of CBD oil and is something we have used successfully in a multimodal pain management plan. Common FAQ’s about CBD oil
Non-Drug Alternative treatment
- Laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBMT). This noninvasive and painless treatment that can target specific joints that are painful. This type of treatment has been shown to ease pain and decrease inflammation.
If your dog is showing signs of arthritis, we can certainly help determine the best treatment plan and to help improve their comfort.
