Arthritis is a common condition in dogs and cats, especially as they age. With veterinary guidance, arthritis can be well managed to keep our pets as mobile and pain-free as possible, so they can still enjoy a good quality of life well into their senior years.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that needs life-long management. Arthritis slowly worsens over time, but if well managed, most dogs can live happily for many years after diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that can be managed. With proper care and frequent physical exams, dogs with osteoarthritis commonly live a normal life expectancy!
Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise. Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog.
Stiffness and difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Limping, trembling, or tenderness when walking. Trouble climbing stairs or jumping up on couches and chairs. Less interest in going for walks or engaging in other activities.
Why does arthritis come and go? As mentioned above, dogs with OA can have good and bad days. An OA “flare up” is when a dog experiences a relapse of their OA clinical signs and joint pain; sadly, these OA flare ups commonly occur in chronically arthritic patients.
Pre-Osteoarthritis (STAGE 0-1)
In contrast, stage 1 dogs are clinically normal (not showing any signs of OA), but at risk due to the presence of one or more risk factors, e.g. breed disposition, joint injury, intense activity, and/or radiographic signs of dysplasia or joint trauma.
Attaining and maintaining a lean body conformation through proper nutrition and feeding practices is the most important cornerstone of effective osteoarthritis management and prevention. It has been shown that skinny dogs have less arthritis and a longer life expectancy!
Yes, stairs are bad for dogs with arthritis. This is because stairs may strain the areas of the body that suffer pain during movement – mainly the joints of the limbs. Stairs are also a potential accident hazard – one that is more real because the motions of the arthritic dog are not adequately controlled.
People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog's arthritis symptoms worse.
Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees.
Most commonly, arthritis affects older dogs and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. But it can also be the result of: an injury such as ligament damage or broken bones. hip dysplasia, which is a deformity of the joints, often caused by bad breeding.
Lack of mobility is a life threatening disease – dogs who can't get up or walk anymore usually are euthanized. This is the stage we are trying to prevent by intervening early. At this stage, the pet may resist, cry or even scream when the joint range of motion is tested.
Your pet cries out – This is an obvious sign of discomfort. If he cries out or whimpers when moving around or when you pet him, your pet could be suffering from arthritis.
Physical therapy, like appropriate forms of regular exercise, as mentioned earlier can be extremely beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Many owners also find hydrotherapy, or water therapy, helpful. Holistic therapies, like acupuncture, can be useful as well.
Two to three 15-20 minute walks a day will be beneficial. You don't want to overdo it. Another low-impact activity is swimming. If your dog likes to swim and you have a place for him to do so, swimming will help increase mobility too.
Regularly sleeping on the floor isn't ideal for your pet. He can develop structural issues from sleeping on such a hard surface. Rapidly growing puppies and elderly dogs especially need the soft, yet firm, support of an orthopedic dog bed that will protect their bones and joints.
Adapted from an Elanco Press Release — Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is primarily a developmental disease, but more than 50% of cases are not diagnosed until dogs are between 8 and 13 years of age. Early intervention has the greatest potential for providing the most effective management of canine OA.
Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, lameness, or limping after rest; appetite loss or unusual weight gain; inactivity and sleeping more; reluctance to walk, run or climb stairs; unusual urinating in the house; and irritability and other behavioral changes.
Dr. Brian Hare, who has written books about canine cognition, told People that dogs have emotions and feelings just like we do. Here's what he said about love: "Yes, your dog knows how much you love him!
Your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam. She may recommend blood tests and other diagnostics to help rule out other diseases. X-rays are often helpful in diagnosing arthritis, but other tests, such as an analysis of joint fluid, may also be recommended.
Causes of Inflammation of the Joints in Dogs
Inflammation of the joints in dogs occurs when the cartilage within a joint has undergone a change or is damaged. This joint becomes rough and the bone surfaces of the joint rub together, causing inflammation.
Are scrambled eggs good for dogs with arthritis? Yes, scrambled eggs has those essential fatty acids and amino acids. You can also top it with some crushed egg shells as they have proven to help dog's with arthritis symptoms.