Canine Arthritis

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 dysplasias, 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

Symptoms

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
Source: Washington State University

Diagnosis

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 (NSAIDS, aspirin), anti-rheumatics, chemotherapeutics, and steroidal preparations may be of help moreover, nutritional management is essential through supplements such as glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, MSM. One product that combines all of these is Synovi G3 bites. 

Often, the medication of choice is buffered or coated aspirin such as Bufferin or aspirin formulated specifically for dogs (DO NOT use Tylenol or Ibuprofen unless directed by a veterinarian). In most cases, and depending on the severity of the condition, aspirin is recommended for the first two years of treatment followed by a switch to a prescription medication Cox-2 prescription medication such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox or Deramax. A veterinarian will often check the liver and kidney function via a simple blood test before a dog starts on these medications.  It is also common to prescribe more than one medication in addition to a Cox-2 such as Codeine, Tramadol or Gabapentin.

In additional to the prescription medications, together with or as an alternative to the Synovi G3 product, herbal supplements can also added. 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.

Ask your veterinarian for the best combination of NSAIDs (aspirin), Cox-2 prescription medications and supplements are right for your dog.

Surgery is another way to treat some forms of canine arthritis, especially cases caused by non pathological factors (accidents, trauma etc.), anatomical deformities, disorders and progressive cancers.

In addition, weight reduction processes to alleviate stress on the joints, regular light exercises, massage, placement of warm compresses are some other ways necessary to manage canine arthritis. These measures help in reducing symptoms and keeping joints in function.

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