ANIMAL HEALTH
Canine Arthritis Management HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OWNERS & THEIR DOGS By Harmony Coriddi, LVT, CMT, CAMadvocate Level 1
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stiff gait, awkward sit and slowness to stand—these are signs which are often synonymous with elderly dogs. But are changes in mobility aging-related or pain-related? Mobility issues are common as dogs age—expected, in fact—but frequently go undiagnosed and therefore untreated, meaning that far too many dogs suffer with chronic pain in their twilight years. As mainstays of millions of dogs’ lives around the country, boarding and daycare facilities have a direct impact on each individual dog’s wellbeing while they are under their care, with the ability to improve, maintain or even worsen the dog’s condition during their stay. As the owners and staff of these facilities, you are an integral part of your boarders’ multidisciplinary care team. This article aims to highlight the ways in which you can positively impact these dogs’ quality of life and, potentially, increase their lifespan. Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a massively under-diagnosed disease. 38
Studies have shown that 80% of dogs over the age of eight years suffer from OA, while at least 20% of dogs of all ages have degenerative joint changes associated with arthritis. Recent estimates place that number even higher at 35%, bringing to the forefront the reality of this being a disease not just of the elderly dog, but of all dogs, regardless of age. So why is osteoarthritis such a worrying problem? It is an incredibly complex disease. OA not only affects the joint, but, over time, it also causes changes throughout the rest of the body. As the joint degrades, causing inflammation and pain, the soft tissues surrounding the joint try to compensate, resulting in altered posture and/or gait. Chronic pain develops, bringing with it its own set of debilitating effects. If a chronic pain state such as that resulting from OA continues unchecked, the nerves of the spinal cord become overly sensitive—a phenomenon called central sensitization, resulting in an exaggerated pain response PET BOARDING & DAYCARE
(hyperalgesia). Eventually, progression of this central sensitization can lead to even normal sensations, such as being stroked or petted, being perceived by the dog as painful, a medical phenomenon known as allodynia. The above explanation of the disease process of arthritis is highly simplified. But it brings across the main point; arthritis is a debilitating disease, and not something which should be dismissed as just being part of “getting old,” which is sadly so often the case. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of elective euthanasia and was recently classed as one of the top three welfare concerns in dogs by the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, alongside obesity and dental disease. Unfortunately, as previously stated, arthritis is frequently either ignored or dismissed. Oftentimes, this is due to either the misconception that “slowing down” is a normal part of aging, or because the signs of arthritis can be quite subtle so are not identified as being pain-related. That is why you must fulfill your pivotal