Arthritis is the term commonly used for joint disease. It refers to thedegeneration of the joint and subsequent inflammation and pain in the joint. It is a common concern and 20% of dogs seen in veterinary clinics have significant arthritis.

Although we usually think of arthritis as a senior disease, old age is not the only cause of joint disease.

Why do dogs get arthritis?

Old age

Some joint remodeling normally occurs with advancing age. This change in the shape of the joint creates new pressure areas between joint surfaces. The abnormal friction and overload on the cartilage lead to more changes in the shape of the cartilage.

A vicious circle begins.

More changes lead to more inflammation (i.e. reaction of the constituting cells of the cartilage and the joint fluid), and more inflammation leads to more changes. The animal tries to compensate for a soar leg and puts more weight on another leg, leading to excessive load in the second leg, etc. In senior animals, this condition usually worsens with time.

Trauma to a joint

Although old age can be the primary reason for the development of arthritis, trauma to the joint often plays an important role in joint disease. Any chronic overload of a joint or any event triggering inflammation in the joint can lead to long-term arthritis.

Examples would be: fracture of an articulation secondary to an accident, a stick perforating a joint, etc.

Abnormal conformation

Many puppies are born with an abnormal conformation, or abnormally develop later on. The shape and structure of abnormal joints, or the chronic abnormal positioning of some joints (secondary to excessively long legs for example), will trigger the remodeling and inflammation of the joint….and the vicious circle starts again, at a much younger age this time.

Dysplasia is the term often used to refer to these hip or elbow abnormalities. Giant breeds, for example, are well-known to be prone to hip dysplasia.

Infectious or immune diseases

Bacteria, fungus or immunse-system diseases are other possible causes ofinflammation in the joint and trauma to the joint.

A mix of the above reasons

Signs

The usual complaint of dog owners that have a dog with developing arthritis is lameness or gait change. The pet seems to be reluctant or even unable to go up the stairs, jump in the car and takes longer to recover from a run at the park.

Treatment and prevention

*The one thing to remember is that arthritis is a self-perpetuating condition that cannot be cured but only slowed down.*

The “treatment” for arthritis has for objective to slow down the progression of the disease and keep the animal comfortable.

The treatment of arthritis can include different elements such as:

One, or a combination of pain and anti-inflammatory medications

Supplements to help protect and rebuild the cartilage such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids

Restricted and/or adapted exercise

Surgical procedures to remove chips of cartilage floating in the joints; improve a dog’s conformation; or replace a very diseased joint (total hip replacement for example)

To get the best chance of effectively dealing with arthritis, the disease should be addressed as early as possible, and a combination of treatment elements should be used.

Here is the recommended dosage of glucosamine for dogs:

Make sure you buy some Glucosamine “Hydrochloride”, not “Sulfate”, since this form of glucosamine is not very well absorbed in dogs.

Under 25lbs: 1 (500mg) capsule daily

25-49 lbs: 2 (500mg) capsule daily

50-100lbs: 3 (500mg) capsule daily

over 100lbs: 4 (500mg) capsule daily

If you give more than 1 capsule/day, divide them into morning and night doses. Try this supplement for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. After this initial period, if the results are satisfactory, you can try diminishing to half of the original dose.

Long-term treatment of arthritis is possible and feasible. Our pets are worth it.