Osteoarthritis in Dogs - Symptoms & Treatments

Is your dog resisting walks, avoiding stairs and playing with less enthusiasm than they used to? Osteoarthritis could be the problem. Here, our Tucson vets explain the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and how this painful condition can be treated.

Understanding Osteoarthritis & Your Dog's Health

Has your dog been diagnosed with osteoarthritis? If so you may be asking, 'What is osteoarthritis in dogs and how can it be treated?'.

Let's start by looking at what osteoarthritis is. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs and is a degenerative joint disorder that leads to a permanent deterioration of the cartilage that should be cushioning your dog's joints. It is estimated that osteoarthritis affects about a quarter of all dogs throughout their lifetime.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

The painful joints caused by osteoarthritis can lead to a number of tell-tale signs. If your dog has osteoarthritis you will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

This condition can develop in dogs of any breed but is most often seen in larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs, Rottweilers, and giant breed dogs such as Irish wolfhounds, Newfoundland dogs, and Great Danes. 

The actual cause of osteoarthritis is largely unknown but this condition is often associated with underlying issues such as an injury due to trauma, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate injury, or dislocations of the shoulder or knee.

Obesity also appears to play a role in dogs developing osteoarthritis. Excess weight can put unnecessary stress on the dog's joints leading to pain, and degenerative joint issues over time.

Treatments for Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs cannot be reversed or cured. Successful treatment of this condition is aimed at reducing your dog's pain, and helping to slow the ongoing degeneration of the affected joints - allowing your dog to live more comfortably, and enjoy a good quality of life as they continue to age.

Often a number of treatments will be used together to achieve pain relief and more comfortable mobility.

Pain Management

Painkillers such as anti-inflammatories are often prescribed as a long-term treatment for managing your dog’s joint pain and helping to reduce swelling. Cold laser therapy and acupuncture are also available to help calm inflammation and relieve pain.

Exercise To Improve Joint Mobility

Although it may seem counterintuitive exercise is essential for dogs with osteoarthritis. It may be necessary to cut back on exercise when your dog is first diagnosed with osteoarthritis however staying mobile will help your dog to maintain fitness, achieve a healthy weight, relieve joint pain and enjoy a good quality of life.

Exercise will need to be tailored to your dog's overall health and severity of osteoarthritis. Your vet will be sure to recommend the best level of exercise to help relieve your dog's osteoarthritis symptoms.

Reduce Inflammation Through Diet

Managing your dog's weight will be a key element of their treatment for osteoarthritis. Increased weight puts increased stress on your dog's joints so keeping weight at a healthy level will help to minimize the pain caused by the condition.

Your vet may recommend putting your dog on a calorie-reduced diet if their exercise level has been reduced, or a diet supplemented with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids as a way to combat symptoms. 

Physical Rehabilitation (Physio for Dogs)

Physical rehabilitation is the name for physiotherapy for dogs and can include a number of treatments that are designed to help reduce pain while strengthening and improving muscle tone, maintaining range of motion and working to improve overall endurance.

Physiotherapy for dogs with osteoarthritis may include one or more of the following treatments: therapeutic exercises, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser therapy, regenerative therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, underwater treadmill or pool therapy, and massage, combined with conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications. 

Ask your vet if there is a qualified Canine Physical Rehabilitation practitioner in your area

Surgery

In some cases when joint damage is severe your vet may recommend surgery to help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of your dog's osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to remove bone fragments that are aggravating the condition or to replace the affected joints. 

Prognosis for Dogs With Osteoarthritis

With effective long-term pain management and a little additional care, your dog may be able to enjoy a long and happy life even with osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet to learn more about managing your pup's joint pain, and how you can help your dog to enjoy a happy life for many years to come.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.