Arthritis simply is inflammation of the joints and is a common problem for many dogs and cats.

Bone surfaces are normally covered with a thin layer of very smooth cartilage, lubricated with joint fluid. In animals with arthritis, cartilage within the joint undergoes damage, becoming less smooth and resulting in the bone surfaces rubbing together. This causes discomfort to your pet, as well as further damage to cartilage. New bone starts to form around the joint making the joint stiffer, which limits its movement even further.

As the disease nearly always causes pain and stiffness, dogs may not be as keen to exercise as they were in the past and may show lameness or obvious stiffness (especially after long periods of rest). Commonly this stiffness improves with movement. Cold and/or damp conditions usually make the symptoms worse. Some animals may even lick continually at an underlying painful joint. Some patients will show obvious signs of pain, whereas others may just become slower or grumpier.

The diagnosis can often be made with a history given by the owner and a physical exam. Often, a joint will feel “crunchy” when it is moved. This is known as crepitus. X-rays will also show degenerative joint disease.

Unfortunately, early warning signs of arthritis are often missed because dogs tend to hide soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in joints have become severe.

It is important to note that no nutritional supplement will correct severe structural damage to an animal’s joints. These abnormalities will remain present and will continue to affect the animal. However, joint supplements can help to prevent further damage, improve the body’s ability to repair and strengthen joint tissues as well as decrease inflammation.

The most commonly used nutraceuticals in pet health care are glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, but it may take several weeks to months of administration before noticeable improvement in mobility is noticed.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that may improve the body’s production of joint lubricants and the health of shock-absorbing cartilage within joints.

Chondroitin sulphate is beneficial in preventing stress injuries to joints as well as aiding in the repair of damaged connective tissue and possibly the bone that underlies cartilage within joints.

Chondroitin sulphate may inhibit destructive enzymes in joint fluid and cartilage and help the body repair damaged cartilage and restore joint integrity. It may also protect existing cartilage from premature breakdown as well as keep cartilage tissue hydrated and assist in cushioning impact stress. Because chondroitin production by the body decreases with age, supplementation with this compound may be especially helpful for older dogs with arthritis. Examples are Nutradyl, GCS, Mobiflex.

Green-lipped mussels are a source of chondroitin and other beneficial nutrients. They provide essential nutrients required by cartilage. Another arthritis-fighting supplement is called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). It provides sulphur compounds that may inhibit pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. Canosan) can also help arthritic dogs.

An easy way to give these joint supplements are with scientific diets such as Hills JD and Royal Canin Mobility. These are high quality foods that have the supplements already added. All you need to do is feed your animal.

Be sure to choose a product sold by a well-established company and consult your veterinarian as to which would be best for your pet.

There is also a drug called Pentosan, which is injected weekly for four treatments and thereafter monthly. It stimulates cartilage production and prevents cartilage breakdown.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can have noticeable, beneficial effects for the arthritis patient. However, NSAIDs that are intended for human use have a high incidence of potentially serious side effects in animals. NSAID use in animals should always be supervised by a veterinarian. By decreasing inflammation, you also decrease destruction to the joint caused by inflammation. These are also pain killers. Examples are Rimadyl, Previcox, and Petcam.

Other pain-relieving medications, like Tramadol and Gabapentin, may be prescribed by veterinarians, particularly if a dog’s arthritis is severe or does not respond to other forms of treatment.

Prescription medications and nutritional supplements aren’t the only forms of treatment available for arthritis in dogs. Physical therapy and weight loss can also improve a pet’s comfort and mobility.

In fact, weight loss is probably the most important aspect when controlling arthritis. Not only does an overweight animal have to carry excess weight on painful joints, but fat cells release a substance that stimulates inflammation. It is what we call a pro-inflammatory mediator. If two animals have the same condition, but one is overweight, that animal will have more inflammation simply due to the extra number of fat cells. There are diets especially made to help get the weight down. Bring your pet for a weight assessment and we’ll help you!

IMAGE COURTESY OF MEDEGRO