CANINE ARTHRITIS

• Osteoarthritis affects one of every five dogs.
• Thinning of joint cartilage can lead to a vicious cycle of joint deterioration, reduced mobility, and pain.
• Supportive care is important, and treatment may include pain medication, NSAIDs, corticosteroids,supplements, massage, acupuncture, warm compresses, and/or surgery.
• Regular, moderate exercise may help delay canine arthritis.

What Is It?
Arthritis is a joint problem that can reduce mobility and cause pain. Often seen in older dogs, arthritis can by caused by injury, infection, the body’s own immune system, or developmental problems. The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis (osteo = bone; arthr = joint; itis = disease) or degenerative joint disease. Normally, joints form smooth connections between bones. Osteoarthritis involves thinning of joint cartilage (a protective cushioning between bones), buildup of fluid within the joint, and the formation of bony growths within the joint. Over time, this can lead to reduced joint mobility as well as pain. Osteoarthritis affects one of every five dogs.

Signs and Diagnosis

• Signs of arthritis include the following:
• Stiffness after exercise
• Wasting away of muscle
• Limited movement
• Joint swelling
• Trouble getting up, laying down, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping
• A grating sound in a joint

Recognizing arthritis in dogs can be difficult because the condition progresses slowly and dogs don't complain about their aching joints. Also, some owners assume that signs of arthritis are “normal” in older animals.

Bringing your dog in for an annual checkup can help your veterinarian identify clinical signs early. Radiography (x-rays) can reveal bony growths and joint abnormalities.

Treatment

• Getting or keeping your dog slim can help by decreasing the load on his or her joints.
• Feeding your dog the right amount of high-quality food should help with weight control.
• Carefully monitored exercise on soft surfaces can help affected dogs. Askyour veterinarian for more details.
• Because arthritis is aggravated by cold and damp, keep your dog warm and dry. Padded dog beds can help.
• Warm compresses can soothe affected joints.
• Massage can increase your dog’s flexibility, circulation, and sense of well-being. Professional animal massage therapists are available.
• Pain medication, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (commonly called NSAIDs), may help relieve signs, but you should never give your dog a drug without your veterinarian’s recommendation.
•  NSAIDs are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• Corticosteroidscan be used to suppress inflammation, but they are usually used for short periods.
• Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) can be an important part of managing osteoarthritis.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin have been used to help manage arthritis in dogs and other animals.
• Acupuncture isn’t just for people. It’s painless and has shown some success in animals.
• Surgery may be a good choice in advanced cases of canine arthritis.Your veterinarian can tell you more.
• A low-stress environment, plenty of affection, and supportive care can help improve your dog’s quality of life.

Prevention
Regular, moderate exercise and a high-quality diet can help delay aging, manage body weight, and keep your dog’s musculoskeletal system in good shape. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an exercise program and a diet that are appropriate for your dog.

Many human and canine pain relievers are poisonous to cats.
Aids for Arthritic Dogs

• Slip-free flooring
• Soft bedding
• Ramps (instead of steps)
• A warm, dry environment
• Help with grooming