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It aches our hearts to see our pet dog slowing down and suffering from limited mobility due to weakened joints. Osteoarthritis is common among dogs, and sadly, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Unlike humans, osteoarthritis (OA) can appear in dogs from an early age. Sadly, the disease is progressive and can worsen over time, especially if left untreated.
Fortunately, a few lifestyle changes and medication may treat this painful joint disease if you seek medical help on time. This article will provide an overview of osteoarthritis in dogs and the early signs to predict the disease. Finally, we will discuss a few effective diagnosis and treatment methods for treating OA in dogs.
What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs is a common degenerative joint disease found typically among older dogs, though it may also appear in younger dogs. In this condition, the cartilage in and around the dog’s joints starts wearing down gradually. As a result, this chronic joint disease starts showing other changes in the dog’s bone health, such as inflammation, pain, and difficulty using the impacted limb.
Osteoarthritis generally affects the lower spine and limbs, though it can affect any other joint. As the cartilage starts deteriorating, so does the inflammation of the joints. In a healthy dog, the cartilage acts as a cushion to render smooth mobility of the joints. When a dog has OA, the cartilage cushion starts getting damaged because of numerous factors, such as injuries, aging, an underlying disease, or repetitive stress. When this cushion breaks down, the dog experiences pain and inflammation, thus reducing its motion range and mobility.
Red Flags of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
If you notice the following signs and symptoms, your dog might be suffering from osteoarthritis.
- Limping
- Uneven gait and a change in posture
- Lameness or stiffness in the joints
- Weight gain
- Swollen joints
- Shifting legs while walking
- Reluctance to jump, run, or play
- Feelings of lethargy or laziness
- Pain when petted or touched
- Behavioral changes, such as irritability
- Difficulty during excretion or urination
- Muscle atrophy (muscle thinning in the spine and the legs)
- Sitting while keeping the limbs extended to relax the painful area
It may be difficult for pet parents to detect osteoarthritis at an early stage since the symptoms often do not become noticeable until it has already affected the joint health badly. As if that wasn’t enough, some dogs are quite good at hiding their pain and discomfort until situations turn severe. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to conduct routine diagnosis for osteoarthritis to detect this degenerative joint disease early.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The good news is that with the right treatment and management, dogs with osteoarthritis can live a healthy and normal life again. Here are some diagnostic procedures to detect the intensity of the joint damage.
- X-rays: The veterinarian may conduct X-rays to determine the extent of bone damage, loss of joint space, bone spurs, and bone remodeling. X-rays or radiographs can also help determine thickening, swelling, the growth of osteophytes, joint effusion, and subchondral sclerosis.
- Physical Examination: The vet may observe the abnormal changes in the joints, along with the dog’s posture, gait, and behavioral changes. The vet may also check your pet’s reflexes, any signs of pain, and its general health.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may also help evaluate joint changes, synovial effusions, and the position of the ligaments and cartilage. While CT scans provide clear and detailed images of the affected limb’s bony structure, MRIs can detect the severity of osteoarthritis.
- Arthroscopy/Arthrotomy: A vet may use a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure to examine the joint damage. It is done by inserting a camera into the targeted joint. Alternatively, the OA team may also open the joint surgically to check the health of the cartilage and the synovium.
- Blood Test: A blood test can detect joint inflammation, assess organ function (such as liver and kidneys), and predict the dog’s responsiveness to certain pain-relieving medications.
After diagnosis and prognosis sessions, the vet will finally determine the best treatment solution for your pet, depending on the intensity of the damage and the age of your fluffy friend. Some of the effective treatment therapies for osteoarthritis in dogs include:
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to offer pain relief (these medications are prescribed for temporary periods, as they may have side effects)
- Steroids like methylprednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone (these have side effects, too, and thus, should be consumed with proper doctor consultation)
- Dog supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids (or other anti-inflammatory dietary supplements)
- In severe cases, vets might recommend surgical procedures to remove the damaged tissue from the deteriorating joint. Alternatively, the OA team might recommend replacing the joint completely to help the pet start a healthy life with new joints.
3 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs
1. Pain Management
- Let your pet get adequate rest to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Make your dog participate in controlled exercise, as advised by your vet, to boost muscle tone and joint flexibility.
- Swimming and controlled walks are great options to strengthen the joints.
- Vets may prescribe NSAIDs to offer pain relief, but these should be used sparingly to avoid serious side effects.
- Trim your pet’s nails short to reduce strain on the joints and improve traction.
- Physiotherapy and acupuncture are highly effective in managing pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.
2. Dietary Changes
- Let your dog have a well-balanced diet containing vitamins, minerals, lean protein, amino acids, and healthy fats to minimize inflammation and pain.
- Consider including omega-3 fatty acid supplements that contain EPA and DHA to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, which can lead to obesity, which may further weaken the joints.
- Refrain from feeding foods that contain gluten or allergens, as found in grain-based and processed foods. These may trigger inflammation.
3. Weight Management
- Pet owners must help their dogs lead an active and healthy lifestyle to maintain normal body weight.
- Carrying excessive body weight may put a strain on the joints and speed up the cartilage breakdown process.
- Discuss with your vet to determine the best exercise plan to treat obesity, thus improving joint health and boosting your pawed friend’s quality of life.
Key Takeaways
We know osteoarthritis is a painful joint disease, and it’s a sorry sight to see our beloved pets go through this. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as making some dietary changes, involving in controlled exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight, may soothe the symptoms and treat the condition faster.
Early diagnosis and intervention are recommended to detect and treat the condition at the right time. To learn more about what’s right for your four-legged companion’s bone and joint health.
