Canine Arthritis - What is it and how is it managed?

Arthritis is a commonly seen condition in dogs which causes joint inflammation which makes movement painful.

The term osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and describes the progressive deterioration of the joints as a result of inflammation.

So what causes arthritis?

Most commonly, arthritis affects older dogs and is caused by wear and tear of the joints, but it can also be the result of injuries, breeding, hip & elbow dysplasia and abnormalities of joints which have been caused by too much or too little exercise during puppyhood.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

·      In the early stages, you may notice your dog starting to slow down

·      Limping or lameness

·      Stiff gait which worsens when first waking up and after exercise

·      Groaning or caution when lying down or getting back up

·      Wary of you touching the affected joints

·      Muscle wastage

·      Irritability

·      Tiredness

·      Licking/chewing on painful areas

How to manage canine arthritis?

·      Make sure that your dog is kept at a healthy body weight

·      Regular exercise depending on your dog’s physical abilities on firm, flat terrain – low impact exercises such as walking and gentle trotting

·      Soft, comfortable bed to allow pressure to be taken off your dog’s joints whilst they are resting

·      Support them up the stairs, getting on and off furniture (if they are allowed), into the car or use a ramp to help

·      Consider rugs, runners or mats if your have slippery floors such as wood and tiles

·      Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories or painkillers to improve your dog’s mobility and improve their pain

·      Physiotherapy can have a positive effect on arthritis cases by helping to relieve pain

Age-related arthritis cannot be prevented but you can reduce the risk, delay of onset and severity of symptoms by managing your dog’s routine to make sure that they have a good quality of life.