Canine Osteoarthritis

Canine Osteoarthritis: Age is Not a Disease

We have made great advances in veterinary medicine. New diagnostic tests and improved treatments have given veterinarians more power in their pursuit of preventing and treating illnesses in our pets. Improved client education and client willingness to provide better care for their animals has also given rise to more geriatric patients being seen at veterinary hospitals across the country. Age is not a disease but it predisposes our pets to more disease. Everyday I meet someone who tells me their dog has slowed down or has more trouble getting up and down in the last few years. There are numerous reasons for older animals to slow down with age and one of the most prevalent and common is canine arthritis or canine osteoarthritis.

What is Canine Osteoarthritis?

Canine Osteoarthritis is a noninflammatory degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be characterized by the degeneration of cartilage, boney proliferation resulting in bone-on-bone contact within and/or around affected joints, and synovial membrane changes. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a common problem in geriatric pets and in a clinical setting can be commonly interchanged with osteoarthritis. DJD can be as mild as hearing the click of a knee or as severe as a crippling case secondary to chronic hip dysplasia. We as owners and veterinarians are doing such a great job of keeping our animals healthy otherwise that it is not uncommon for pets to be euthanized due to the poor quality of life brought about by a severe case of crippling arthritis.

How Can I Tell if My Dog Has DJD?

How do you know your pet may be suffering from a case of degenerative joint disease? The most common client complaint I hear is the slowing down of their animal. Some dogs may not be able to execute the stairs as they once did or may have trouble when getting up from a lying position. Maneuvering on slick floors, hopping in and out of vehicles, or jumping up and down from furniture may be problem situations for affected animals. Most of these dogs are older dogs, but canine osteoarthritis is also a disease that may affect younger dogs as well depending on their individual circumstances.

What Are the Symptoms of Canine Osteoarthritis?

Predisposing factors may include older age, traumatic injuries, birth defects, or even post operative complications from orthopedic surgery. Symptoms may include stiff or rigid posturing and/or walking, reluctance to exercise, swollen joints, or nothing more than a clicking or popping sound coming from the affected joint or joints. The severity of the symptoms and how they affect the dog's quality of life will often be the sole determining factor in how your veterinarian may elect to handle the problem. Many animals with chronic arthritis have loss of muscle mass and increased weakness due to the decreased use of the affected limb or limbs. Dogs with arthritis tend to warm out of the discomfort and stiff gait much as any person with a bad joint would as well.

What Do I Do if I Think My Dog Has Osteoarthritis? 

The first thing to do if you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms on a regular basis is to consult your local veterinarian. He or she will be able to determine if the symptoms you are seeing are in fact due to a case of joint disease or arthritis and not another underlying problem. In many instances making a diagnosis will require a thorough medical history, examination, radiographs, or even bloodwork. A diagnosis of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis warrants further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the problem, such as, hip dysplasia, patellar subluxation or any other predisposing condition.

The underlying problem may or may not be able to be corrected or need to be corrected depending on the individual situation and severity of the case. The primary goal of treatment is always to make the dog as comfortable as possible in the safest manner possible.

Is Surgery Necessary?

DJD is classically a nonsurgical orthopedic problem, but there are some surgical procedures such as arthrodesis and various joint stabilization techniques that your veterinarian may suggest if appropriate.

What Kind of Medications Are Necessary?

Medications are almost always going to be a part of the treatment plan. Medications that may be prescribed include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate), and other medications aimed at pain control. These medications should be used as directed by your veterinarian as there can be severe side effects, including death, associated with their misuse.

Weight Loss Treatment for Canine Osteoarthritis

Another part of the treatment plan may include a weight loss plan for your dog. The extra weight carried by these dogs translates into extra force being applied to the already diseased joints resulting in further discomfort. I have personally seen a few of my patients come off of medication altogether or at least able to be managed on a minimal dosage of medication after an ideal weight has been achieved. Again, the goal of treatment is to help alleviate completely or partially the discomfort your dog is feeling secondary to the joint disease. 

Canine Osteoarthritis - The Bottom Line

Canine Osteoarthritis

is a common disease encountered by many dogs young and old. It results in pain and discomfort that can potentially be crippling to the pet depending on the severity. Symptoms may include a stiff gait, reluctance to exercise, trouble getting up and down, muscle loss and weakness, and trouble executing steps or stairs. There are good treatment options to consider once a diagnosis of arthritis is made that may include surgery, medications, and a weight loss plan. Please consult your veterinarian if you think your dog may be exhibiting the signs of osteoarthritis.

You may just put a little pep back in his or her step :)