Arthritis in dogs: symptoms and treatment, difference from other joint diseases

Arthritis in dogs and cats is an inflammatory joint disease. While osteoarthritis is a term that characterizes chronic inflammation and degenerative changes in the joint. One or more joints may be involved.

The joint consists of a capsule and articular surfaces of bones covered with cartilage. There is synovial fluid inside the joint capsule. It performs the function of lubricating the joint during flexion and extension. It is needed to prevent friction of the articular surfaces of bones and serves as nutrition for articular cartilage. Also, synovial fluid acts as an additional shock absorber for the joint.

In arthritis, inflammation begins in the synovium. Later, the inflammation will smoothly spread to other tissues of the joint: cartilage, joint capsule, and ligaments.

When the disease occurs, the articular cartilage becomes thinner, and the structure of the ligaments and articular capsule changes. Severe and advanced cases of arthritis lead to joint deformation. This causes arthritis in dogs and cats and leads to the development of osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage inside the joint to break down.

Description of the disease

There are many joints in a dog’s body, each of which has a different structure, depending on its location and function. The structure of any joint contains:

• cartilage;
• synovial fluid;
• joint capsule.

The mechanisms for the development of inflammation in joints are different, depending on the type of arthritis.

The bottom line is that joint deformation occurs due to the growth of granulation tissue in the synovial fluid (which washes and protects the cartilage). Granulation tissue eventually destroys the cartilage down to the bones.

Veterinarian help

Depending on the condition of the animal and the cause of the disease, the veterinarian may recommend medication or surgery. Until this point, you should stop taking medications - this may simply make it difficult to make a diagnosis.

Establishing diagnosis

In addition to visual inspection and palpation (feeling), diagnosis requires mandatory x-rays. It allows you to evaluate changes in the affected tissues. Additional research methods include histology, cytology and CT, and if infection is suspected, a blood test.

Prescription of medications

All diseases considered are treated with chondroprotective drugs that slow down and stop the destruction of cartilage. Other drugs are prescribed based on accompanying symptoms:

• glucocorticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the inflammatory response;
• anabolic steroids that promote weight restoration and growth of damaged tissue;
• antispasmodics and analgesics that eliminate muscle spasms and pain;
• antibiotics that fight infection;
• warming ointments and gels that normalize blood circulation.

Please note that the effectiveness of chondroprotectors decreases with the development of the disease. They are used only in the early stages or as a preventative measure. In all other cases, you have to resort to surgery.

Probability of surgery

Surgery is resorted to when there is no effect from taking medications. The affected area is immobilized or amputated, replacing it with a prosthesis. In both cases, it is possible to eliminate pain and maintain partial mobility.

Types of Arthritis

There are six main types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid.
• Idiopathic.
• Traumatic.
• Infectious.
• Drug.

Depending on the course of inflammation, the following are separately distinguished:

• Aseptic.
• Purulent.

Now more about each of them.

Osteoarthritis (functional)

The most common manifestation of the inflammatory process in the joint. It is observed in both small dogs and representatives of large breeds.

Predisposing factors may be different, but they are associated with increased load on the joint due to improper distribution of this load.

For example, due to obesity or, conversely, excessive physical activity, as well as due to improper skeletal structure.

All this leads to the fact that the joint wears out, tissue nutrition is disrupted and intra-articular cartilage is destroyed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic pathology, the membrane (shell) that encloses the synovial fluid becomes inflamed. This makes the joint less mobile, it swells, the ligaments surrounding it lose strength and the joint becomes deformed.

Most often, the root cause of such inflammation is the body itself, or rather the immune system. Sometimes your own antibodies begin to “attack” the cells of your own body - this happens with an autoimmune disease.

Miniature dogs are more susceptible to this. Most common in animals between 2 and 6 years of age.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the small joints are first affected, and then the inflammation can spread.

Idiopathic

Idiopathic arthritis is diagnosed last, when all other types have been excluded and the cause has not been identified. This group includes inflammation of unknown etiology (cause).

However, the main factors that influence idiopathic arthritis can be identified: cancer, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pathologies of the immune system and infectious diseases.

Traumatic

Inflammation due to mechanical impact on the joint, trauma. Moreover, the joint itself does not necessarily have to be injured; ligament ruptures can also lead to arthritis.

Inflammation of this type is usually acute, with sudden lameness due to pain and swelling from the very beginning of the pathology.

Infectious arthritis

It can develop due to the presence of an infectious disease that is not even related to the musculoskeletal system. Or maybe because of a wound in the joint area, with further penetration of pathogenic microflora into the damage cavity.

In this case, the inflammatory process may “remain” in the structure of the joint, or may spread to surrounding tissues (muscles and ligaments). Based on this, they distinguish:

• Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane. Those. limited inflammation that does not spread further to other tissues.
• Panarthritis - inflammation from the joint spreads to the ligaments.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Infectious arthritis occurs with purulent inflammation.

Drug-induced arthritis

It occurs as a reaction of the body to a particular drug. This happens extremely rarely. May occur after vaccination or when using sulfur-containing drugs and some antibiotics.

However, you should not refuse vaccines or treatment due to the risk of developing drug-induced arthritis, since this probability is extremely low, and the benefits of vaccinations and treatment are much higher.

Causes

As already mentioned, arthritis can be an independent disease, or it can be a symptom of another disease.

Depending on the reasons that caused the inflammation and the form of the course, different types of arthritis are distinguished.

Often joint inflammation develops against the background of cartilage degeneration (arthrosis).

The most common causes that most often lead to arthrosis, and subsequently to osteoarthritis:

• Developmental pathologies. They can be caused by hereditary diseases, genetic disorders and much more.
• The animal is overweight. In this case, arthritis can also be metabolic, as it is also associated with metabolic disorders. And obesity puts a lot of stress on the joints.
• Irregular shape of the limbs (this often happens in small breed dogs).
• “Wear” of the joint. This happens when a certain joint (or several at once) is periodically subjected to a strong load for a long time. Usually observed in sports and service dogs.

Causes leading to other types of arthritis:

• immune disorders (idiopathic and rheumatoid arthritis);
• the use of certain medications (respectively, drug-induced arthritis);
• tumor pathologies (idiopathic);
• infectious pathologies;
• injuries (traumatic arthritis);
• inflammatory processes in other parts of the body.

Preventive measures

Prevention of arthritis includes controlling your pet’s weight and a proper diet with the necessary supplements. Young animals should not be overloaded with physical activity: due to ill-conceived training, arthritis can develop. In addition, injuries and mechanical damage to the limbs should be prevented. Slippery floors are the most common cause of sprains in dogs. Frequent injuries displace the cartilage, which in turn will lead to inflammation of the joint. The animal should be protected from hypothermia and should not walk for a long time in damp and cold weather. To prevent your beloved pet from getting sick, it is recommended to visit your veterinarian regularly.

Symptoms

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis does not only occur in dogs' limbs, inflammation can occur in any composition, and joints are found wherever there are bones.

So the most obvious sign in the first place will not be lameness, as it is logical to assume, but a deterioration in the general physical condition of the pet.

Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to any changes in the dog’s behavior.

The symptoms of arthritis are generally the same regardless of the type of inflammation. The time and degree of manifestation of signs of pathology may differ.

Main symptoms:

• Deterioration of condition, lethargy, the pet mostly lies down and moves reluctantly.
• Appetite decreases, but nevertheless the animal gains weight. This is due to the fact that the dog moves less.
• The place where the joint is inflamed becomes swollen. But this can be noticeable mainly only if the paw is affected, other joints are difficult to reach.
• Lameness or unnatural gait. The dog tries not to bend the affected area, which makes him very clumsy.
• The local temperature is elevated (only the site of inflammation is hot, and the rest of the body is at normal temperature).
• The affected area is very painful, so when touched, the dog may whine or show aggression, depending on temperament.

Osteoarthritis and arthritis in dogs and cats - signs and symptoms

These diseases may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Lameness, reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play, delayed walking
• Swelling and/or swelling in the joint area
• Pain in the joint area
• Licking affected joints
• Sometimes an increase in local temperature
• Change in behavior (sometimes aggression when touched)
• Crunching (crepitus) in the joint
• The animal carefully sits down or stands up, lies down after sleep - all these signs can also indicate arthritis

Symptoms will become more obvious as the arthritis progresses and the pain gets worse.

Diagnostics

High-quality diagnostics are only possible in a veterinary clinic.

1. First, the doctor collects an anamnesis; you must be prepared to answer questions about the pet.
2. The veterinarian then conducts a general examination of the dog, identifies the sore spot and examines it.
3. Arthropuncture (puncture of the joint cavity) may be necessary. That is, they make a puncture and collect the fluid contained in the joint capsule. Conduct laboratory studies of the obtained material.
4. To confirm the diagnosis, an x-ray is taken. Under ideal conditions, it is possible to perform a computed tomography or MRI, but in the vast majority of clinics this is not possible.

Treatment

Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian after a full diagnosis.

There are only two options. Treatment with drugs or surgery.

It all depends on the specific case.

• In some situations, it is enough to prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), select an antibiotic as necessary and carry out symptomatic therapy (painkillers, compresses, etc.).
• Sometimes it is necessary to rinse the joint. This need arises in case of purulent infectious arthritis. The method is called puncture. Disinfecting solutions and antibiotics are injected into the joint through a thick needle. This procedure is carried out until clear synovial fluid is obtained from the joint.
• In other cases, arthroscopy is necessary. Arthroscopy is a modern method that allows access to the joint without incisions, and through 2-3 access points with a diameter of about 2 mm using an endoscope. The arthroscopic method is used for both diagnosis and treatment.
• Whenever there is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, it is advisable to transfer dogs to a special diet. The line of ready-made food for such cases is called Mobility.
• Treatment must be comprehensive; you cannot give your dog just one drug and hope that it will help.

Attention! The drugs cannot be prescribed independently and used without the supervision of a veterinarian.

The following medications may be prescribed as treatment aids:

"Stop - Arthritis" is available in the form of a suspension

"Artroglycan" tablets

"Horsepower" gel

"Ketofen" and "Rimadyl" - tablets and injections. Very careful use is required.

"Stride Plus" - syrup.

Prednisolone is a hormonal drug that requires special caution and is prescribed, literally, in precious doses.

"Hondatron" - drops or solution for injection and many others...

Also, it is necessary to understand that none of these drugs can be the only treatment - an integrated approach is required!

For better rehabilitation of the animal, it is necessary to introduce physical therapy into everyday life.

In cases of arthritis, massage and swimming are effective solutions. Such procedures reduce stress on the joints, while simultaneously increasing the tone of the muscles and ligaments.

Prevention

To prevent this pathology, first of all, the dog needs a balanced, nutritious diet.

It is also necessary to closely monitor the dog on the street to protect it from injury.

Some dogs are more susceptible to joint inflammation than others. These include large breed dogs, especially Labradors (also because they are prone to obesity), Bernese Mountain Dogs and Rottweilers due to their predisposition to hip dislocations.

Timely vaccination is also an integral part of the prevention of many diseases, in particular infectious arthritis.

Sufficient activity during the day and a soft, warm place to sleep should be available to each of our four-legged friends.

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Dog care

During illness, the dog needs special care. In addition to a special therapeutic diet, you will have to make some other changes to your daily life:

1. Walks should be short, less intense, but more often than usual.
2. The dog must be warm.
3. The pet's sleeping place should be soft and in a warm, dry place.
4. If you live in a multi-storey building, do not force your pet to walk up the stairs, this is very painful during the period of illness and may delay the time until recovery. Use the elevator or carry your dog through stairs in your arms.

Care and nutrition

During treatment, the four-legged pet must be placed in the most comfortable conditions. The new sleeping place should be located away from sources of noise, drafts and low temperatures. You will also need to limit your usual activity and review your diet.

Physical exercise

Any exercises on apparatus, running and jumping are prohibited. To control weight and maintain mobility, it is enough to take your dog for daily walks lasting 10-15 minutes. Longer activity is encouraged only in relation to swimming. In water, the load is distributed evenly, eliminating new injuries.

Diet

During treatment, the patient is put on a low-carbohydrate diet. Its main task is to maintain or reduce weight to a safe level.

When dry feeding, it is recommended to switch to food with chondroprotectors, and when using natural feeding, add to the menu:

• brisket;
• greens;
• ginger;
• oranges;
• avocado;
• cartilage;
• spatula;
• yolks;
• sunflower seeds;
• mango.

All exotic products must be introduced gradually to avoid an allergic reaction. Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, celery) and fruits should make up the majority of your diet. You should avoid cereals, eggplants, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes, as they can cause a new exacerbation.

Popular questions

What painkillers should I give my dog ​​for arthritis?

It is DANGEROUS to give any medications to your animal on your own without a doctor’s advice. Many painkillers have a lot of contraindications. Therefore, painkillers are selected for each dog individually.

Can it be treated with human medicine?

There are medications from humanitarian (human) medicine that are used in veterinary medicine. But they can only be used if they have been prescribed by a veterinarian.

The most important thing here is to strictly adhere to the dosage.

Under no circumstances should you give an animal a human dosage of the drug.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.
2. It can occur as an independent pathology, or as a result of other diseases or injuries.
3. There are 6 main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, infectious, idiopathic, drug-induced and traumatic.
4. The main causes of arthritis: excess weight, developmental pathologies, excessive physical activity, injuries, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, cancer.
5. The main symptoms: lethargy, immobility, lameness, strange gait, loss of appetite, the site of inflammation increases in size.
6. Treatment must be prescribed by a veterinarian; in some cases, you can only get by with medications and good care, while in others, surgery is necessary.

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Treatment for a dog with inflamed joints

If you suspect arthritis in dogs and notice the symptoms, treatment should begin as early as possible. However, only a veterinarian should select the method of therapy, based on the results of the examination and establishing the causes of the inflammatory process. Some animals are helped by alternative methods, others only by conservative ones.

1. If the disease is just beginning, there is no acute pain or serious complications, then with the permission of the veterinarian you can resort to alternative treatment: herbs (for example, nettle, which has a good anti-inflammatory property), non-steroidal drugs (however, you should be extremely careful with them, since they can lead to serious complications), compresses with oil (lavender and juniper in equal proportions with warm water).
2. The diet is being revised: tomatoes, grains, and potatoes are necessarily excluded. But egg yolks, seeds, ginger, and exotic fruits are great (but be careful with them so that the animal does not develop an allergy). Remember that there must be a diet so that the animal does not gain excess weight, which will only provoke the destruction of cartilage tissue.
3. Drug treatment for arthritis in dogs includes the use of veterinary medications that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Chondroprotectors are also good. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary (most often when the inflammation is of a traumatic nature).
4. Improve living conditions. The pet's bed should be warm and soft, away from drafts. Cover all slippery surfaces on the floor with carpets and secure them, in general, so that the animal does not slip.
5. Reduce the time spent on walks and put less stress on your beloved dog. Don't force him to run or jump, just calm movement. But remember that fresh air and sunlight have a beneficial effect on the health of the animal.
6. Physiotherapy also has an excellent effect on recovery. Massage, phoresis, and swimming perfectly relieve pain and swelling of the joints. But all this should be done only after a face-to-face consultation with a veterinarian. Just remember that with purulent arthritis, heating (even with ointments) and massage, rubbing and other procedures that can lead to the outpouring of pus into the surrounding tissues are prohibited.