Category_Dog Knowledge
Health
Arthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Relief Options
- Approximately 20% of US dogs will develop arthritis during their life
- Less than half of the dogs with arthritis are receiving any form of treatment
- The hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows are most commonly affected joints in dogs
- Rule-outs for osteoarthritis include ligamentous injury, neoplasia, joint infection, and infectious diseases such as Lyme disease
- The most common clinical signs include reluctance to climb stairs or jump into cars, stiffness when rising, ignoring commands and remaining in a resting position, intermittent lameness, decreased appetite, licking or excessively grooming a joint site, and decreased interest in walking, playing, or other physical activities
- Dogs with obesity are at increased risk of developing arthritis and rarely show overt clinical signs such as whimpering, crying, or pain when touched
Arthritis is Painful
Pain is no fun. Chronic, daily, debilitating pain can be a nightmare. The problem with pain in dogs is first recognizing it. Most dogs rarely cry out or whimper due to arthritic pain, even when they're in what we humans would consider excruciating discomfort. Symptoms of chronic soreness in pets are often subtle: decreased appetite, hiding more, not as eager to play or interact, accidents in the house, limping, or changes in sleep habits. If a dog is limping, it's seriously hurting. Osteoarthritis is one of the more common causes of chronic pain in middle-aged and older dogs. If your “sixth sense” or “pet parent radar” tells you something is wrong with your pup, chances are pain is involved.The causes of arthritis
In general veterinary medical terms, arthritis can be classified as “primary arthritis” such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or “secondary arthritis” which occurs as a result of joint instability. Secondary arthritis is the most common form diagnosed in dogs. The most common type of secondary arthritis diagnosed in dogs is osteoarthritis (OA), which is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Some common causes of secondary arthritis in dogs include obesity, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and so forth. Other causes include joint infection, often as the result of bites (septic arthritis), or trauma such as a car accident or athletic injury. Infective or septic arthritis can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Septic arthritis normally only affects a single joint and the condition results in intense swelling, fever, heat, and localized pain in the joint. With septic arthritis, your pet is likely to abruptly stop eating (anorexia) and often becomes lethargic, unresponsive, and depressed. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated, erosive, inflammatory condition of the joints. Cartilage and bone are eroded within affected joints and the condition can progress to complete joint fixation (ankylosis). If a dog’s RA progresses to ankylosis, that means the joint can no longer flex or bend, and this change is usually permanent. RA may affect a single joint or multiple joints may be involved (polyarthritis). In certain dog breeds Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) factors can be detected with blood tests. Other types of immune-mediated arthritis can be non-erosive, such as arthritis that is associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE). SLE is often accompanied by other clinical signs in addition to arthritis.Diagnosis of arthritis
Radiographs or x-rays are the most commonly used diagnostic test for canine arthritis. Radiography is often recommended in a dog displaying clinical signs consistent with arthritis, if it is an at-risk breed, or if the pet parent is suspicious degenerative joint disease may be developing. Your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive musculoskeletal exam, carefully evaluating the joint’s range of motion and observing any subtle signs of discomfort. In certain cases, advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indicated. There are also specialized tests that involve injecting dyes into a joint space to search for tiny lesions or injuries.
As your pup gets older, he or she may be more susceptible to ailments like arthritis
