Osteoarthritis In Dogs

Arthrosis (also: osteoarthrosis) in dogs is a progressive, chronic, degenerative disease of the articular cartilage.

What Is Arthritis In Dogs?

In a healthy joint, cartilage covers the bone surfaces. Due to the formation of synovial fluid, the bones involved sliding smoothly over each other during movement.

This sensitive system can be disturbed for a variety of reasons: If, for example, there is trauma, inflammation (arthritis), or severe incorrect loading (e.g. due to being overweight), the cartilage is damaged and arthrosis can develop. Arthrosis can also occur as a result of malformations such as an elbow or hip dysplasia and as part of the normal aging process. These are all the so-called secondary arthroses, for which the cause is known. In the majority of cases, however, it is a case of primary arthrosis in dogs, the trigger of which cannot be determined.

In the course of this disease, the joint cartilage loses its elasticity, becomes cracked and the joint surfaces rub against each other with every movement. Later, the bone under the cartilage is also exposed and reacts to the unusual load by deforming. Osteoarthritis is basically a non-inflammatory disease. However, there is a phased so-called “activation” of the arthrosis: the joint becomes warm, swells, and reddens.

In principle, any dog ​​can suffer from osteoarthritis. However, older animals of large breeds are particularly affected. Arthrosis in dogs of smaller breeds is particularly common after patellar luxation (kneecap displacement) or cruciate ligament rupture.

What Are Typical Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis In Dogs?

Depending on the affected joint and the degree of arthrosis, the dog is paralyzed to varying degrees. Classic arthrosis patients “run in”, which means they are more paralyzed at the beginning of a movement after a longer period of rest. Then, little by little, the lameness decreases.

Osteoarthritis in dogs usually progresses slowly. Lameness is later accompanied by restricted joint mobility and increasing, eventually permanent pain in the affected joint. As a result, the dogs move less, which leads to a decrease in muscles and tension. The latter causes pain again and so the vicious circle closes.

In advanced arthrosis, changes to the cartilage, bones, and ligaments also become visible, and the joint capsule hardens.

The elbows and shoulders, hips, and knees are most commonly affected. Osteoarthritis in dogs can also be found in the spine or in the lower limb joints.

When Should You Go To The Vet?

If your dog seems stiff but breaks in during the walk, this can be the first sign of osteoarthritis. Other signs can be that the animal refuses to climb stairs or jump into the car, no longer likes to sit down or lies down or is reluctant to do so, and, for example, prefers to look for warm places to sleep.

If the dog is visibly lame, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. Lameness can have many causes and should be clarified in any case! If individual joints look swollen (compare with the one opposite), feel warm, or cause the dog visible pain, a visit to the vet is also advisable.

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

In addition to a thorough examination, if arthrosis is suspected, the veterinarian will also use other methods to confirm the diagnosis. The X-ray examination in particular is of great importance here. With an ultrasound examination, the severity of the disease can be assessed and the condition of e.g. cartilage and ligaments in the joint can be assessed. If the joint is swollen, he may also perform a puncture. After thorough disinfection, synovial fluid is extracted from the joint using a hollow needle and examined. It contains, for example, increased numbers of inflammatory cells. Another examination option is a joint reflection (arthroscopy).

What Therapy Options Are There?

The goals of arthrosis therapy are:

• pain relief
• Maintaining or restoring mobility
• Support of the joint functions (such as the supply of the cartilage and production of synovial fluid)

In so-called conservative therapy, an attempt is made to stop the progression of the disease without an operation.

Important elements are:

• not overweight (high body weight puts a lot of strain on the joints.)
• Regular but gentle exercise (no intense training/work) maintains the supporting muscles and relieves tension, keeps the joint moving, and thus promotes the production of synovial fluid.
• comfortable, warm place to sleep
• anti-inflammatory drugs and/or painkillers (They can be used for a short time or for a longer period of time.)
• Drugs designed to protect cartilage and herbal supplements can also be tried (not much is known about the actual benefits of these drugs at this time).

Physiotherapy For Osteoarthritis

Massages and careful mobilization of the affected joint support mobility and relieve tension and thus pain. Gentle exercise in controlled conditions, such as swimming or running in water, is also helpful. The water takes part of the bodyweight due to the buoyancy, the animal cannot fall and the vibrations are less. The warm water also has a relaxing effect.

These include heat and cold treatments as well as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and shock wave therapy.

Massage with ice or applying a cooling pad takes away acute pain and can reduce inflammation. Heat relieves muscle tension, which can also cause pain, and is used in particular before physiotherapeutic measures or exercise of the arthritic dog.

A special ultrasound treatment ensures that the deeper tissue is heated, which also has a soothing effect. Electrostimulation and shock wave therapy are not yet very widespread in veterinary practice and have been researched very little. However, veterinarians working in physiotherapy have already had good experiences with both methods.

What Food Can I Give My Dog For Osteoarthritis?

A supplementary feed with ingredients such as devil’s claw, green-lipped mussel extract, turmeric, and mulberry extract can be administered to support osteoarthritis. However, their effect has only been examined to a limited extent and the user comes from experience-based medicine.

Radiation Therapy And Joint Injection For Osteoarthritis

Irradiation of the affected joint (radiosynoviorthesis or X-ray therapy) can also be tried. The joint can be exposed to bundled X-rays in X-ray therapy, similar to tumor therapy. Alternatively, radionuclides can be injected directly into the joint. Local cells absorb them, and the radiation released causes a decrease in inflammatory responses.

In addition, various preparations can be injected directly into the joint capsule in order to develop the effect there directly.

Laser therapy is also being tried in dogs with osteoarthritis. The effect and exact dosage of this therapy are still under discussion.

Osteoarthritis Surgery In Dogs

If the non-surgical treatment methods have not brought the desired success, there are various options for treating the affected joint surgically. An artificial stiffening restricts the dog’s mobility, but usually ensures freedom from pain. Partial removal of a bone is possible for some joints and preserves freedom of movement. The joint is then supported by surrounding muscles. Increasingly, there are also artificial joints for dogs analogous to those for humans, e.g. for the hip, the elbow, and the knee joint.

However, if possible, an operation should be performed at the end of osteoarthritis therapy, because it is not without risk.

Alternative Medicine For Dogs With Osteoarthritis

Complementary or alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or osteopathy are scientifically not or only slightly secure. Nevertheless, in dogs with arthrosis, which conventional therapy could not help, there is an improvement in the symptoms. The same applies to gold implantation, which is said to help with osteoarthritis.

What Is The Prognosis For Osteoarthritis?

The prognosis of arthrosis should always be cautious. There is no cure for the disease and therapy can be lengthy and nerve-wracking. However, it is possible to maintain a stable condition for years with which the animal can live well.

Osteoarthritis itself is not fatal. However, especially with older dogs, you as the owner have to reckon with the fact that the pain and limitations will eventually become too great and the vet will suggest that you put them to sleep – out of love for the animal.

10 Short Tips For You If Your Dog Suffers From Osteoarthritis

1. A light massage promotes both blood circulation and mobility. Massages also provide a feeling of calm, security, and general well-being.
2. Be patient. You cannot expect a dog with osteoarthritis to be as quick as other dogs. The dog may need extra time to run or climb stairs, and also to respond when you call it. Give him time, encouragement, and support if necessary.
3. Make sure your dog can sleep on soft materials or in a bed designed for dogs with osteoarthritides, such as a water bed or hammock bed.
4. Slippery surfaces can cause anxiety in dogs with osteoarthritis. At home, you can place rugs on wooden floors or tiles to prevent the dog from slipping, which in the worst case can lead to more serious injuries. You can also put non-slip socks on your dog.
5. Warm clothing is required on cold days. Giving your dog a coat will prevent his muscles from getting cold and stiff.
6. There are many clever solutions to help your dog climb stairs or jump on furniture. With different ramps or blocks, your dog will keep coming up and down everywhere.
7. A dog with osteoarthritis may be more sensitive to loud noise or chaotic environments. Make sure your dog has a quiet place to retreat to when you have children, other pets, or visitors. Pay attention to how your dog is feeling and what is happening around him.
8. A dog with osteoarthritis may need a combination of exercise, rehab, and medication (some do not require medication). This combination of light exercise, special care, and anti-inflammatory medication enables many affected dogs to have a high quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian about the various treatment options and medications.
9. A dog with osteoarthritis can have trouble taking care of themselves, especially when it comes to grooming. Help your dog to keep the areas clean so that he cannot easily reach himself. Trim, brush, and wash his coat to keep it in good condition and prevent major tangles.
10. Osteoarthritis is more common in overweight dogs. If your dog is overweight, you can reduce his or her osteoarthritis symptoms by helping them lose weight, as overweight dogs put extra stress on their bones and joints. Work with your veterinarian to put together a customized weight loss plan and special diet.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis in dogs is a chronic disease whose treatment can be a real challenge. However, with the right combination of treatments and perseverance, a good stabilization of the dog and its quality of life can be achieved.