Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative condition that affects one or more of a dogs joints. Most cases of arthritis in dogs occur in dogs with an inherited orthopedic disease such as osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia, or those with a joint injury. Some cases of arthritis in dogs are related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint infection.
Osteoarthritis in dogs
The main form of arthritis in dogs is Osteoarthritis. It’s a common disease that affects one out of five dogs during their lifetime. The problem isn’t confined to older dogs, either. Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, patella luxation, joint trauma, and other joint conditions can cause degenerative arthritis, even in young dogs. Arthritis in dogs usually affects Large-breed dogs more than small dogs. Heavy dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints. Dogs with degenerative arthritis experience varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain, which is more apparent in the morning and after getting up from a nap. They often exhibit irritability and behavioral changes associated with increasing disability. Cold and damp surroundings increase pain and stiffness. This form of arthritis in dogs is progressive, and in time makes the dog’s life miserable.
Treating arthritis in dogs
Arthritis in dogs is currently incurable, but treatment can substantially improve the dog’s life. Treatment involves physical therapy, weight control, the use of analgesics and corticosteroids to relieve pain and improve function, and the use of chondroprotective agents to repair joint cartilage and prevent further damage. Some dog owners have tried acupuncture and many claim that it’s shown good results for arthritic dogs. All of these treatments should be used at the same time. In severe cases, surgical fusion of painful joints, such as the hock or elbow, relieves pain and restores limb movement in some dogs.
Physical Therapy
Lately, physical therapy has been shown to have a substantial benefit in making a dog with arthritis more comfortable. Moderate exercise is beneficial because it maintains muscle mass and preserves joint flexibility. Excessive exercise, however, is counterproductive. Arthritic dogs should not be allowed to jump up and down and should never be encouraged to stand up on their back legs. Dogs with pain and lameness should be exercised on a leash or a harness. There are veterinary physical therapists who can help design an exercise (and weight loss) program. Swimming (Hydrotherapy) is an excellent exercise that improves muscle mass without overstressing the joints. Exercise can be increased as the dog improves with the use of medications. Overweight dogs should be encouraged to lose weight. Being overweight seriously complicates the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Immune-Mediated arthritis in dogs
This is an unusual group of diseases in which antibodies are directed against the dog’s own connective tissue, resulting in either an erosive or nonerosive arthritis. In erosive arthritis, cartilage and joint surfaces are destroyed. In nonerosive arthritis, there is inflammation but no tissue destruction.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an erosive arthritis that occurs primarily in toy breeds and other small breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs, at approximately 4 years of age. It is characterized by morning stiffness, shifting lameness, and swelling of the smaller joints, particularly the wrists and hocks. Fever, loss of appetite, and lymphadenopathy are accompanying features.
Nonerosive arthritis tends to occur in midsize and large-breed dogs at about 5 to 6 years of age. The cause is unknown. Signs are intermittent fever, loss of appetite, joint swelling, and a lameness that often shifts from limb to limb
Treatment of Immune-Mediated arthritis in dogs
Immune-mediated arthritis responds to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, including corticosteroids and chemotherapy agents. Treatment must be continued for eight weeks or longer. Your veterinarian may use several drugs or drug combinations before determining which protocol works best for your dog.
Light to moderate activity is beneficial, but vigorous exercise, which is most likely during periods of remission, can injure the joints and should be restricted. Overweight dogs should be placed on a calorie-restricted diet and there may be some benefits to the dog being lean.
Infectious arthritis in dogs
Infectious diseases can produce arthritis. Rickettsial arthritis is seen with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and canine ehrlichiosis, and spirochetal arthritis with Lyme disease. (All of these are tick-borne diseases.) Most of these diseases respond well to antibiotics, however some dogs will have permanent joint damage.
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