The Silent Struggle: How Osteoarthritis affects your furry friend!

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive joint disease that commonly affects dogs. This degenerative condition causes loss of joint cartilage leading to other changes in bone structure resulting in inflammation, pain, and difficulty walking. Osteoarthritis usually affects older dogs, obese dogs, and those with other bone/ joint affections.

Breeds most prone to osteoarthritis (Read – Breeds that need a tad bit extra care)

Giant breeds such as – Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Mastiff, New Foundland, Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, etc. are more prone to osteoarthritis.

Take a cue from these causes

The fluid and cartilage in the joints, provide cushion to the bones and protection from the forces during any movement, prevent friction and rubbing of bones, thus, allowing smooth movement of joints. In osteoarthritis, there is a decrease in the fluid and thinning of the cartilage. This reduces the shock-absorbing capacity of joints.

Several orthopedic diseases may lead to osteoarthritis in your furry friend by causing repeated injury to the joint. Some of these conditions include –

• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Patella luxation
• Cranial cruciate ligament damage
• Nutritional depletion
• Genetic causes
• Lyme disease
• Previous fractures
• High- impact injury to bone due to exaggerated movement
• Obesity

From fetch to fatigue – Recognizing the signs

• The most common symptoms include –
• Difficulty in getting up from lying down position
• Muscle weakness and muscle atrophy
• Decrease in activity and reluctance to walk, run, or exercise
• Pain in joints
• Stiffness
• Limping / Change in gait
• Sudden change in behavior such as increased irritability and aggression, change of temperament
• Difficulty in jumping
• Licking affected joint
• Weight gain
• Swollen joints
• Restlessness
• The doggo may bite, if someone tries to touch it

Early diagnosis makes all the difference

A physical examination of your pet by an expert veterinarian will be done to see for any change in posture and gait, to feel any abnormal changes in the joint, and to see for any tenderness on palpating the joint.

X- ray of the affected joint to see for any changes and to detect any other underlying orthopedic condition.

In advanced cases, a CT scan or MRI may be required to evaluate cartilage and other soft tissue structures surrounding the bone that may not be evident on X -rays. Some of the other advanced methods of diagnosis are – Arthroscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a specialized camera to diagnose joint problems); and synovial fluid analysis.

Wagging through pain with the right treatment

There is no permanent cure for osteoarthritis. However, the progression can be slowed down by lifestyle modifications and medicines, thus, increasing joint mobility and reducing pain. The goal is to – minimize joint pain, slow down the progression of damage to the joint, and develop muscle mass.

Surgery may be required in cases such as hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament repair, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and other orthopedic conditions. Your vet knows the best and you can trust his/her expertise.

New leash on life

Lifestyle modifications include – weight management through a low-calorie diet, swimming, walking your pet with a leash, restricting athletic activities, and using ramps for your pet to get onto the bed or in the car.

Diet plays a major role in maintaining your pet’s healthy life. Your vet may recommend increasing the omega-3 fatty acid content in your pet’s diet or giving omega-3 supplements. Dietary supplements including – Glucosamine and Chondroitin are beneficial in supporting joint health.

Your vet may recommend Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to manage joint pain and inflammation. He/ she may also recommend certain injections (depending upon the severity of the illness of your pet).

Alternate treatments like – stem cell therapy, acupuncture, and laser therapy can also be useful. You can also talk to your vet about physiotherapy for your beloved pet to manage his pain and strengthen his joints.

Keep in mind that with the right care, extra love and vigilance, you can manage the symptoms and reduce joint pain for your furry friend!

(Dr. Hemant Jain – Vet surgeon and pet practitioner; Dr. Nikhil Jain – vet surgeon and pet practitioner; Dr. Shivani Jain – vet surgeon and pet practitioner, Nagpur)