Dogs can get arthritis in any joint, but it is most commonly seen in the hips, elbows and lower back. It can be caused by aging, congenital joint diseases like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, old injuries, trauma to joints, activity levels in working and athletic dogs, obesity, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease, and genetic predisposition.
Early signs of osteoarthritis include loss of muscle mass in the affected joints, stiffness and lameness. These symptoms are often aggravated by damp or cold conditions, and the condition can progress rapidly.
Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and a change in your pet’s weight are also common early indicators. Your pet may become grumpy or uncharacteristically tired and may stop jumping onto your bed or favourite chair.
A swollen, painful, or limping leg is one of the most obvious signs that your dog has arthritis. Your pet may refuse to play, become inactive or lose interest in exercise.
You may notice that your dog is reluctant to go up or down stairs arthritis in dogs or jump into a car. If your dog has trouble climbing, it’s important to see your veterinarian immediately.
Arthritis in older dogs typically affects the hips, but it can also happen to the knees and shoulders. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which develops when the cartilage that protects the bones in your dog’s joints wears away.
Your dog’s pain is often reduced by anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which block the pain signals from the nerve endings in the joint lining, reducing inflammation and helping to heal damaged cartilage. NSAIDs can be used in combination with other anti-inflammatory medications to provide better pain relief.
Other arthritis pain medications can include sedatives and analgesics, such as tramadol, fentanyl, morphine and narcotics. Medications such as these can cause a wide range of side effects, so it’s best to limit their use and combine them with other types of medication to minimize the risk.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help build cartilage in the joints and reduce inflammation, especially when used in conjunction with NSAIDs. These supplements are available from a number of pet stores and are often recommended by your veterinarian.
Steroids are another option for controlling joint pain in dogs with arthritis. They have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for short periods of time to reduce pain. However, over the long term, these medications can lead to other problems such as gastric ulceration or diabetes.
Physical therapy can also be helpful in strengthening your dog’s joints. It can be a bit expensive, but it will help your dog to stay active and prevent arthritis from worsening.
In addition, it can prevent the development of arthritis later in life when the joints are more prone to degenerative changes. Some physiotherapists can use specialized exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve the function of the joints.
Changing your dog’s diet is also a good idea, as it can help them maintain their normal body weight and control the progression of arthritis. Your vet can help you select a balanced, high-quality diet for your dog that will provide them with the nutrients they need to remain healthy and pain-free throughout their lives.