Arthritis is a common condition found in pets – large dog breeds are particularly susceptible to the condition. Approximately 25% -30% of pet dogs are affected by the condition. Dogs, in fact, are more likely to get arthritis as compared to cats. There are different types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, osteochondrosis, knee dysplasia, hip dysplasia, etc. Of these, osteoarthritis is the most common form. The condition in pets causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of joints that is not very different from what a human with arthritis would experience.
Given that arthritis is a very common condition and one of the most common sources of chronic pain that vets have to treat, it is important that you be alive to the prevention, detection, and treatment of the condition. As a prospective pet parent if you wish to avoid the chances of having to deal with an arthritic pet you could try and avoid the large breeds that are more susceptible to the condition; however it’s a tradeoff as small pets come with their own set of genetic and hereditary predispositions to certain ailments. Arthritis is basically the wearing out of the protective cartilage that covers the extremities of bones of a joint.
Dogs are active creatures; injuries and accidents are always a mistimed jump away. The problem with pets is that unlike humans trauma to the bones leads very quickly to arthritis – more specifically secondary arthritis which can set in within weeks of an injury.
If you notice your pet walking with a limp, favoring a particular leg, sitting and standing with discomfort, hesitating before jumping, avoiding obstacles, appearing to have stiffness or soreness in the joints, being lethargic and less alert then you should get it checked for arthritis. Do not wait for the condition to regress further. Even if the pet displays any of the symptoms even for a week then take it to the vet. Your chances of managing pet arthritis improve with early detection and treatment.
Because arthritis is primarily an inherited condition, there is no cure for it and you cannot really prevent it. However; by inculcating proper lifestyle habits in your pet dog and giving it correct medication you can delay the onset of arthritis and also make it less painful and stressful if and when it appears.
Regardless of a dog’s age, if it shows clinical signs of arthritis you should commence medical management. Do not wait for the condition to become chronic. Timely medical management may help stave off costly surgical procedures. Whatever the case, be sure to get pet insurance coverage for arthritis.
Keep your dog lean; overweight dogs are more susceptible to the condition. Keep your pet dog at its recommended weight. A good balanced diet and exercise are the way to go; not complicated but apparently a little difficult to practice when you consider that almost half the pet population in the U.S is overweight.
Get your pet dog to follow a low-impact exercise routine – this can include leash walking, swimming, slow jogging etc. The exercise should provide a good range of motion and stimulate muscle growth. The exercise routine will depend upon the age and weight of the dog and the degree to which the condition has progressed.
Your dog may benefit from an elevated feeding and water bowl. Your vet will be able to demonstrate how to massage your dog so as to ease the stiffness in its joints. The vet may also prescribe an NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to ease swelling and pain in the affected joint.
Two supplements that are widely used in treating the condition are glucosamine and chondroitin. Tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline protect cartilage from enzymes that try to break it down.
Creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C are some oral supplements that a vet can prescribe for an arthritic dog.
