Arthritis in Dogs AS

Painful For Them

As It Is For Us

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Did you know that 20 percent of dogs will develop arthritis?

However, many veterinarians suspect this number is actually much higher, according to the Canine Arthritis Resources and Education Organization.

What is arthritis?

Like humans, dogs can develop arthritis, a painful condition that causes inflammation of the joints. In a healthy dog, a joint meets two or three bones, allowing the body to move smoothly. In a dog with arthritis, the joint is inflamed, leading to reduced mobility. Arthritis also causes cartilage, which lines the end of the bone at the joint and prevents friction, to thin and break down leading to more inflammation, stiffness, pain, and the thickening of the tissue around the joint.

According to the Veterinary Centers of America, common signs of arthritis include walking stiffly, reluctance to be touched on specific body parts, lameness in one or more legs, difficulty standing up, and an unwillingness to go up or down stairs or jump on and off furniture.

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss your dog’s symptoms. Most dogs are diagnosed with arthritis after a physical examination and x-ray, which shows changes to the bones, such as bone spurs or thickening.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a CT scan or MRI to take a closer look at the bone and surrounding tissue to determine a specific underlying cause for the pain, arthritis, or lameness your dog is experiencing.

Treatment

Arthritis is not a curable condition. However, many treatments are available for managing the symptoms, including changes to your dog’s lifestyle, medication, surgery, and alternative therapies.

Dr. Brian Trumpatori, DVM, DACVSSA, of Arizona Canine Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, shares, “Management of arthritis is best achieved through a multimodal approach, combining medications, joint injections, physical therapy, [etc.].”

The most common arthritis medication choice is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). For many dogs, this offers pain relief from inflamed joints caused by the arthritis. Intra-articular injections are another frequently used treatment and are especially important for dogs not responsive to the first line of therapy.

Dr. Trumpatori explains, “The benefit of the joint injections is that it is local therapy. It’s different than giving an oral anti-inflammatory that has a whole-body effect. It’s much less likely to result in side effects.”

He adds that one of the most exciting developments in arthritis treatments is Synovetin OA, a long-lasting, injected treatment targeting inflammation and pain. Unlike other intra-articular injections, the effects of Synovetin OA can last up to a year. Currently, Arizona Canine Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is the only practice in Arizona offering this treatment. Surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, are another effective options. Your veterinarian may also recommend specific supplements to protect your dog’s cartilage or help with inflammation. In addition, alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, acupressure, or targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, can relieve pain.

Another treatment growing in popularity for arthritis relief for dogs is CBD oil. CBD is a compound found in hemp and cannabis, which has properties that may help with chronic pain. However, research on CBD is still in its infancy, so if you’re considering this treatment, consult your veterinarian first.

Supportive lifestyle changes

Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is crucial, especially if they struggle with arthritis. Extra weight puts

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