Does your dog seem a bit slow to rise? Noticed he isn’t jumping on the couch anymore? Or maybe she isn’t running after her favourite ball? There is a chance your pup may have arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints and is a common problem for many dogs. It can be a very serious condition, but luckily there are a wide range of treatment and support options available.
Arthritis can affect any dog, of any age or breed. However there are some predisposing factors that can contribute to the likelihood of arthritis occurring. Medium to large breeds (such as Labradors, Retrievers, Rottweilers & German Shepherds) are more at risk as they carry more weight and are therefore more likely to damage their joints. Very active dogs (such as Collies and Kelpies) can simply wear out a joint by the time they reach middle to old age and younger animals can injure a joint and, if left untreated, can quickly develop arthritis. Breeds prone to genetic defects, such as elbow and hip dysplasia are also at high risk of developing arthritis. The effects of arthritis can also become worse in overweight or obese dogs as they become less active. More weight on an arthritic joint can cause more pain and discomfort, which in turn leads to less inclination to move, meaning the weight continues to rise. Obesity can become a very big issue in arthritic dogs without treatment.
Recognising that your dog may have arthritis is the first step to getting treatment. Many will mistake the signs of arthritis with the signs of ageing and will not get their dogs treated by a veterinarian. Here at McDowall Vet Practice, we begin carrying out Senior Dog Checks from the age of 7. These checks are free of charge and play a major role in diagnosing arthritis in our older clients. With the correct treatment your pooch can be just as active as they were when they were younger!
- Weight management is the first step to helping a dog with arthritis. Reducing calorie intake and providing 20-60 minutes of gentle exercise a day will help to reduce the weight in your dog and in turn will take the excess stress off the joints.
- We also recommend nutritional joint supplements such as prescription diets or powdered/capsuled supplements added to the diet. For many patients that are in the early stages of arthritis many owners have noted great results within three weeks of using nutritional joint supplements.
- Pentosan injections are the next step for treating arthritis in dogs. These injections contain pentosan polysulphate sodium which is a plant based compound. These injections plump up the remaining cartilage cells to improve the cushioning factor and thicken up the joint fluid to help provide lubrication and reduce friction. These injections are given once weekly for four weeks and then a booster given either monthly or 3 monthly depending on the severity of the arthritis.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatories (NSAID’s) are designed to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. They work very well for arthritic pain as it is a combination of soft tissue and joint pain. By reducing the inflammation process we are also slowing down the arthritic change process. There are several risks with taking NSAID’s and your pet will need to be closely monitored while using them. 6 monthly check ups and blood tests will be required if NSAID’s are required to help treat your dog’s arthritis.
There are several other at home support options that we can discuss with you also.
June is Arthritis month here at McDowall Vet Practice which means we offer free arthritis checks for the whole month! So if you think your pet may be suffering from arthritis please give us a call to make an appointment!