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Arthritis is inflammation of a joint or multiple joints. There are several possible causes for arthritis, including ruptured ligaments; fractures within a joint; inherited disorders of bone, cartilage, or ligaments; cancer; infections; and injury from the body’s immune system. However, the most common form of arthritis is the end result of an excessive use or an abuse of joints called Degenerative Arthritis.
Normal joints have a moist, slick inside lining. The ends of bones comprising a joint are lined with cartilage which provides the slick surface and protects the bone ends. With wear, the cartilage is gradually worn away. No pain fibers are present in the cartilage, so no pain occurs during the wearing down stage. Eventually, the cartilage is lost from wear, and the bone surfaces rub and bump against each other. This does cause pain. Bony growths (“spurs” or osteophytes) form in an effort to reduce the movement in the joint. These are another source of pain.
Incidence
Arthritis affects 1 in every 5 adult dogs and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
Signs Altered gait Difficulty sitting or standing Sleeping more Seeming to have stiff or sore joints Hesitancy to jump, run, climb stairs, or get onto beds or into cars Decreased activity or less interest in play with associated body weight gains Reduction in the size of muscles near the affected joint Attitude or behavior changes (from pain)
Diagnosis
If your dog demonstrates any of these signs for more than 2 weeks, you should consult your local veterinarian. An evaluation for arthritis may be indicated. Evaluations involve a physical exam, blood tests, and possibly radiographs (x-rays) of joint fluid analysis. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment for pain and greater preservation of the health of the joint(s).
Treatment
Treatment of canine arthritis includes: reduction of stress on joints and control of inflammation and pain.
Reduction of stress on joints requires: Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight: low-impact exercise every day with warm up and cool down Soft bedding in a warm, draft-free area Gentle massage of muscles and ligaments surrounding affected joints to improve circulation Ramps for stairs, cars, or trucks and steps for furniture or human beds (if allowed on furniture or beds)
Control of Inflammation and Pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs. Aspirin is the only non-prescription drug that should be used. DOSAGES ARE DIFFERENT IN DOGS – check with your veterinarian for an appropriate dosage. DO NOT USE TYLENOL OR IBUPROFEN.
Some dogs are thought to be improved by pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or omega fatty acids. The safety of these products is good. Their effectiveness in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis is controversial.
When control of excessive body weight, mild exercise, reduction of stress to the joints, and non-prescription medications are insufficient to alleviate pain and inflammation from arthritis, your veterinarian may prescribe a prescription NSAID for dogs, such as Rimadyl, EtoGesic, Dermaxx, Ketoprofen, or Meloxicam.
Prognosis
Degenerative arthritis will progress but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, a high quality of life can be maintained. If joint damage becomes severe, metal joint replacements may be possible.
For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit http://www.vmth.missouri.edu/
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