Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition in dogs that becomes more severe over time. Although there is no cure for this painful condition, symptoms can often be successfully managed to help your dog enjoy a good quality of life as they continue to age with OA.
What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in a dog's front and back legs and is a degenerative joint disorder that leads to a permanent deterioration of the cartilage that provides cushioning for the joints. This painful condition is estimated to affect about a quarter of all dogs throughout their lifetime.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
The painful joints caused by osteoarthritis can lead to a number of tell-tale signs that your dog may be suffering from osteoarthritis. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs include:
- Pain, stillness, and lameness
- Swollen joints
- Refusal to jump, use stairs, or run
- Reluctance to stand up
- Restlessness, can't get comfortable
- Lack of enthusiasm for walks or play
- Whining, irritability, or aggression
- Licking joints
- Slow shuffling walk
Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
While osteoarthritis can develop in any breed of dog, it is most often diagnosed in larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Rottweilers.
Osteoarthritis's exact cause is largely unknown, but it is frequently linked to underlying conditions like trauma-related injuries, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate injuries, and shoulder or knee dislocations.
Obesity is also associated with osteoarthritis. Excess weight can put unnecessary stress on the dog's joints leading to pain, and degenerative joint issues over time.
Treatment to Help Dogs With Osteoarthritis Live More Comfortably
Dog osteoarthritis is incurable and cannot be treated. When this condition is successfully treated, the pain brought on by the affected joints is lessened, which helps to slow the degeneration of the affected joints and gives your dog a better quality of life as they age. To relieve pain and promote more comfortable mobility, a number of treatments are frequently combined.
Painkillers / Pain Meds
Painkillers such as anti-inflammatories are often prescribed as a long-term treatment for managing your dog’s joint pain and helping to reduce swelling.
Exercise
Exercise is important for dogs with osteoarthritis, despite what might seem counterintuitive. When your dog is first diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it may be necessary to reduce their exercise regimen; however, keeping them active will help them stay fit, reach a healthy weight, relieve joint pain, and have a good quality of life.
Exercise will need to be tailored to your dog's overall health and severity of osteoarthritis. Your vet will be sure to recommend the best level of exercise to help relieve your dog's osteoarthritis symptoms.
Diet
Managing your dog's weight will be a key element of their treatment for osteoarthritis. Increased weight puts increased stress on your dog's joints so keeping weight at a healthy level will help to minimize the pain caused by the condition.
If your dog's exercise level has been reduced, your vet may recommend a calorie-reduced diet or a diet supplemented with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate symptoms.
Physical Rehabilitation (Physio for Dogs)
Physical rehabilitation is the name for physiotherapy for dogs and can include a number of treatments that are designed to help reduce pain while strengthening and improving muscle tone, maintaining range of motion, and working to improve overall endurance.
Physiotherapy for dogs with osteoarthritis may include one or more of the following treatments: therapeutic exercises, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser therapy, regenerative therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, underwater treadmill or pool therapy, and massage, in addition to conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications.
Speak to your vet to find a qualified Canine Physical Rehabilitation practitioner in your area
Surgery
When joint damage is particularly severe, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of your dog's osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to remove bone fragments that are aggravating the condition or to replace the affected joints.
The prognosis for Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Your dog may be able to live a long and happy life despite osteoarthritis with effective long-term pain management and a little extra care. Speak with your veterinarian to learn more about managing your dog's joint pain and how you can help your dog live a long and happy life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.