Is your dog limping, stiff or having difficulty getting up from lying down? It could be arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs; it is estimated that there are over 50 million dogs who suffer from arthritis globally. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms and treatments for arthritis in dogs.
Arthritis is a chronic disease that can cause pain and lameness in dogs. It is caused by the inflammation of joint surfaces, which can lead to cartilage and bone damage. Many times the exact cause of the inflammation is unknown but nutrition, genetics, overuse, injury, and excessive weight are known to be common factors. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hips, knees, spine, feet, elbows and shoulders. The symptoms are often similar to those of human arthritis, including joint stiffness, limping, and pain.
The most common type of canine arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is an age-related disease that affects both humans and dogs. In dogs, it usually starts at about 10 years old but it can happen earlier or later depending on the dog’s breed and lifestyle.
The symptoms of canine arthritis may vary from dog to dog.
Symptoms of canine arthritis include:
-Limping or lameness
-Inability to climb stairs
-Inability to jump
-Difficulty getting up from a lying position
-A stiff gait or difficulty walking
-General stiffness
-Painful joints that may swell and become warm to the touch
There are many treatments for canine arthritis including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nutraceuticals, joint supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), laser therapy, rehabilitation therapy and weight loss. NSAIDs work well at reducing inflammation, but they can have side effects such as stomach ulcers and liver dysfunction. I prefer to use nutraceuticals and herbals to help reduce inflammation. Joint supplements contain glucosamine and chondroitin which help to protect cartilage, especially ones from green lipid mussel. Some like injectable Adequan can help repair cartilage and also reduce inflammation. Acupuncture and chiropractic can help reduce pain and improve mobility in the joints. PEMF and laser therapy help reduce inflammation and increase circulation by using electromagnetic or light energies that trigger the bodies own anti-inflammatory cascade.
However the king of all treatments, and actually prevention, for dogs with arthritis is proper exercise and weight management. Dogs that have a lower body mass and move more have less effects from arthritis. Canine rehabilitation services managed by certified veterinarians can help by implementing diet changes and exercise programs including water therapy, especially if your dog is severely overweight and unable to walk well on dry land.
In this article, we talked about causes, symptoms and treatment of arthritis in dogs. It is my hope that you will find this information helpful and will consider using these methods in your treatment strategy.
