Arthritis in Dogs

Is your dog is getting older and having troubles walking or jumping on the couch? What’s the problem you ask? More than likely your dog is getting arthritis. Is that serious? Absolutely!

As dogs age, they will many times face the aches and pains of getting older. This is especially true in the larger breed dogs. In fact, it is one major reason that many larger old dogs are put to sleep (euthanized). Once they reach the point they can’t get up on their own or they lose control of their urine or bowels it is very hard watch them continue to deteriorate and to provide them with the additional care they require.

So how does this happen? Most large dogs are very active in their younger years and are very prone to injuries or even growth deformities. As they age and mature these changes either cause osteoarthritis (bony changes of the joint), impair neurological function, or both. This in term causes pain, non-use, and eventual loss of muscle mass. This can affect any part of the body but most frequently affects the rear legs. The first thing most people see is a decrease in activity. Unfortunately this creates secondary weight gain, which adds to the problem.

So what can be done? First of all don’t ignore the problem! If you were told your dog had a heart problem, you would address it. Often when we mention the dog has arthritis, clients choose to ignore it. Remember more dogs end up dying from arthritis than dogs with heart problems.

The problem needs to be defined by diagnostics. As veterinarians we can’t differentiate the problem just by looking at them. Symptoms of arthritis can be the same symptoms as Valley Fever and even cancer. Typically radiographs are a starting point to find the problem and evaluate the severity. From that point we may have a diagnosis but occasionally other tests like CTscan, biopsy, or blood work may be warranted.

If it is limited to arthritis we have many modalities to address the problem. The first issue to address is the pet’s weight. If the dog is obese then any treatment will not be as effective until the weight is under control. This doesn’t mean we don’t address the other problems but the weight needs to be addressed simultaneously.

The second part of the treatment will be aimed at the specific problem. This may involve a single treatment or may involve multiple modalities. Here are some of the treatment options available.

1. Nutriceuticals
These are supplements geared at increasing joint lubrication and stimulating cartilage regrowth. At present the doctors at Animal Health Services recommend Dasuquin, which is the latest generation of nutriceuticals, and contains MSM as an anti-inflammatory. These medications are usually given at least once daily in oral form.

2. Adequan injections
This is similar to nutriceuticals but in most cases is quicker and more efficient at giving the dog relief. Like Dasuquin, Adequan helps to lubricate the joint as well as stimulate cartilage production. Both of these drugs help to correct the problem of arthritis. Adequan in given intramuscularly. Injections will usually be given at least once weekly for 6 to 8 weeks and then once monthly or as needed for discomfort.

3. Anti-inflammatories
These are designed to take away the inflammation and in turn decrease the pain of arthritis. In the past we used products like ascription (aspirin) but today we have drugs that are more beneficial and safer than aspirin. Blood work is recommended prior to starting the drug and then rechecked on a 3 to 6 month interval. We check the blood before starting the anti-inflammatory medication to ensure there are not any existing liver or kidney problems. The liver and kidneys metabolize these types of medications and if there are pre-existing problems, the medication could be harmful to your pet. The recheck blood work will ensure that the liver and kidneys are tolerating the medication. The doctors at Animal Health Services typically recommend Deramaxx, Metacam and/or Previcox. These types of medications are given orally once to twice daily.
Note: These medications only take away the inflammation and pain. They are not designed to rebuild the joint.

4. VOM - veterinary orthopedic manipulation.
This is similar to chiropractic adjustments. It is designed to reprogram the nerves so that the muscles relax allowing a good blood supply so the body can heal itself. This is used to decrease pain and eliminate progressive arthritis. It will not directly rebuild the joint and typically requires 3-4 treatments for initial relief and may require follow-ups if the condition is chronic. It is best used at the time of initial injuries to prevent damage.

5. J/D diet
This diet is designed to put the cushion back into the cartilage. This revolutionary diet designed by Hills actually rebuilds the cartilage in the joint of a dog (does not work in other animals or humans). If the dog is obese then sometimes it needs to be used as an alternative basis with a weight reducing diet.

6. Cortisones
For some of the more severe or neurological type problems cortisone is recommended. It cannot be used with any other anti-inflammatory without severe side effects. It is used either in an oral or an injectable form given intramuscularly, not directly into the joint. Blood work is usually recommended to make sure the medications won’t complicate an existing problem.

7. Surgery
In some cases surgery is the treatment of choice because the other modalities won’t be as effective. In severe hip dysplasia, a surgery can be performed to either remove or replace the hip joint.

It is important that you discuss options with your veterinarian as to the best choice for your pet. Each pet is treated individually to meet his or her specific needs. There are many ways to help a pet with arthritis and our ultimate goal is to keep every pet as comfortable, active, and pain free for as long as possible.

Submitted by Animal Health Services of Cave Creek