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What is Arthritis ?
This is inflammation in a joint. This can result in changes to
the joint cartilage, the joint fluid, the bones involved in the
joint and the actual capsule of the joint.
What are the common types of Canine Arthritis ?
Many forms of arthritis occur in the dog. The following list gives
an idea of what the main types are.
- Osteoarthritis
- Immune-mediated
- Infective
- Idiopathic (where the cause is unknown)
In this article we will discuss the most common form of the disease
which is osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis ?
This is joint disease involving degeneration of the articular cartilage
followed by remodeling and new bone formation resulting in the signs
of arthritis in the dog.
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Normal hips with a rounded smooth joint outline. |
What are the signs of arthritis in the dog ?
- Gradual onset of lameness in one or more limb.
- Dog less inclined to go for walks and may be reluctant to climb
stairs.
- Onset of stiffness being worst in the mornings improving as
the day progresses.
- Pain on palpation of the joints.
- Joints may be swollen.
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X-Ray from a dog with arthritis in its hip joint.
Notice the irregular hip outline which in a normal hip joint
is rounded and smooth. |
What are the causes of arthritis in the dog ?
- It frequently may be caused by traumatic injury resulting in
joint instability. e.g.. tearing of the cruciate ligament.
- Overweight, obesity can hasten its development by increasing
the concussive forces in the joint.
- The joints may be genetically weakened or unstable as occurs
in cases of hip dysplasia for example.
- In young dogs it may be caused by failure of proper bone development.
e.g.. OCD
How is a diagnosis of canine arthritis made ?
- Usually based on the history as described above.
- The clinical signs and by palpation of the joints.
- Radiography is very important in assessing degree of joint changes.
- Joint fluid can be analyzed.
What treatments are available ?
- Remember firstly to deal with any problems of obesity.
- If there is a traumatic cause , surgical repair of ligaments
may be necessary to stabilise the joint.
- Fitness and exercise are important.
- Anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary to control pain
and inflammation and are extremely beneficial when used sensibly
and under the guidance of your veterinarian.
- Acupuncture can give excellent results in pain management and
may eliminate the requirement for medications.
- Herbal medicine can give great benefits also as they are designed
to treat the animal in a holistic manner. Be confident in your
choice of herbal practitioner and ask your veterinarian for guidance
if unsure.
Authors' experience in practice
I have found lots of different therapies of use in my treatment
of cases of canine arthritis. Anti-inflammatories are excellent
when used wisely and monitored. However as a practitioner with a
holistic leaning I have endeavored to keep the usage of drugs to
a minimum. Acupuncture often amazes me in the results and also in
the longevity of the improvement. I will often put my patients on
our herbal supplement Anistiff Canine
to supply vital nutrients that help restore health alongside the
acupuncture treatment or as a supplement on its own.
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