Neuropathy is often mistaken for arthritis, however, both conditions can be present at the same time. Weakness in the hind legs is a common sign of neuropathies. Medications can be powerful.
It is all too easy to assume a diagnosis of arthritis in an elderly dog that presents with lameness and pain.
Neurological Conditions that Mimic Arthritis in Dogs
Injuries and diseases that affect the nervous system can cause symptoms that may be mistaken for arthritis. A spinal cord injury, possibly from a fall or a vehicular collision, can cause neurological symptoms.
To diagnose arthritis, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and check the joint areas for pain. Blood tests and X-rays may be ordered to rule out other ailments, such as bone cancer. These diagnostic tests will show how severely the joints have been affected and help guide the treatment plan.
How will my veterinarian diagnose arthritis in my dog? The most common way to diagnose arthritis is with an x-ray (also called radiograph). X-rays indicate joint swelling or changes to the bone, such as thickening or bone spurs. Depending on your dog, sedation might be needed to get a clear x-ray.
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.
Since the degeneration of the joints and increase in joint inflammation tend to be progressive over time, dogs may go through various stages of osteoarthritis. Sometimes arthritis progresses quickly and other times that progression may take years.
The cost of arthrocentesis will vary based on standards of living and the cost of additional diagnostic testing. The average price of arthrocentesis in dogs, not including pre-procedural x-rays and physical examination, ranges from $300 to $500.
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.
Dogs can develop arthritis gradually as a result of aging, or they can exhibit arthritislike symptoms suddenly, usually due to injury. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the condition and make your dog more comfortable.
Signs to look for include:
Swelling in affected joints; if a joint appears swollen or feels hot to the touch. This will often be associated with pain and they may react when you touch the area. Joint infection can also cause similar signs so if you notice this, you should always contact your vet.
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.
Dysplasia means 'abnormal growth' - dysplastic joints grow abnormally and predispose dogs to developing arthritis at a young age. Hip and elbow dysplasia are commonly seen in large breed puppies and can cause the early onset of arthritis and pain if not treated.
Fibromyalgia features a mix of symptoms that may include widespread pain, muscle spasms, mood disturbance, fatigue, insomnia, memory problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia often is mistaken for RA, osteoarthritis (OA), Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, underactive thyroid, depression, and lupus.
Dogs can start to show signs of arthritis as early as 1 year of age. According to the Vet Times (pdf), the degenerative joint condition can be found in 20% of dogs before their first year and 80% of more senior dogs at or over age 8.
Excessive weight causes extra strain on your dog's body and joints. Although exercise may be difficult, especially if the arthritis is severe, you can work with your veterinarian to find appropriate activities.
Dogs can live with arthritis for years if they have the right lifestyle and supportive treatments to keep them comfortable. As a progressive condition, dogs with arthritis in the later stages can show worsening symptoms. Loss of cartilage can make the condition very painful as bone rubs against bone in the joints.
Low-impact exercises — like short walks and swimming — are great for dogs with arthritis. These exercises help keep your dog's muscles strong and improve their joint health. And they can even increase energy levels and interest in activities. Frequent, short walks throughout the day are more ideal than long ones.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a cornerstone in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. These medications are very effective and act by blocking inflammatory pathways that lead to the production of destructive molecules (prostaglandins) and subsequent pain.
Although there is no cure, veterinarians can offer a range of treatments to manage arthritis by delaying its progression and keeping dogs mobile and comfortable. If you have a dog, it's important to identify any signs of arthritis that your dog might be showing early, to ensure they receive effective treatment.
Can arthritis be cured? Unfortunately not. Once cartilage in your dog's joint(s) has been damaged it rarely repairs itself completely. But many pets can successfully be made pain free by appropriate long-term use of medication and sensible management to control further deterioration.
Stairs aren't always a bad thing for dogs with arthritis. In fact, walking UP stairs can be a great way to help improve active range of motion, muscle strength, and proprioception (the awareness of the position and movement of the body).
Veterinary experts used to believe that dogs with arthritis should limit physical activity. They often prescribed “exercise restriction.” However, recent research shows that, over time, this approach can lead to issues like stiff joints, muscle loss, and weight gain.
The severity of the lameness is often exacerbated during the night. This happens because of the soreness that builds up from too much activity during the day. This is why it is important to monitor your dog after exercise to determine how much is too much. Stiffness from inactivity during the day is another culprit.