Canine osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease in dogs, and its incidence grows as their lifespan increases which, thanks to modern medicine, is ever longer. However, there are ways to prevent its early onset, and to do so it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms and the care it requires.
Caring for your dog starts from day one. If you have a puppy, take a look at our basic care for a newborn dog.
What is canine osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the patient's skeletal system. Most commonly it occurs in the joints of the limbs (the knees, carpus, elbows, hip and shoulder) and also in the spine.
This disease causes a degeneration of the cartilage, which is necessary for the proper mobility of the joints and, as in people, extreme temperatures (heat and cold) increase the pain it produces.
When does osteoarthritis appear in dogs?
Osteoarthritis can appear in dogs of any age, although it is more common from the age of 7 in large breeds and 10 in small breeds. The factors that accelerate its onset include being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition.
However, we must not make the mistake of thinking that it is a problem exclusive to old age. In young dogs, osteoarthritis is usually secondary to developmental disorders, such as hip or elbow dysplasia. When a joint does not fit together perfectly from the time of growth, the continuous friction causes premature wear of the cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis at a very early age. Keeping your dog's weight under control from puppyhood is the most effective preventive measure to delay its onset.
Which dogs are most prone to suffering from osteoarthritis?
Any breed of dog can develop osteoarthritis, and this possibility increases as our canine gets older. However, large dogs are more likely to develop osteoarthritis much sooner (and more frequently) than a small-breed dog.
Another important factor is the dog being overweight. The bones are responsible for movement and for supporting the weight of the body, and when the body is overweight the effort required is greater and causes faster wear.
Finally, there is also the genetic factor, since osteoarthritis is hereditary. If your dog has siblings or parents that suffer from osteoarthritis, then it is more likely to develop it as well if the required care is not taken.
What are the symptoms of canine osteoarthritis?
The first symptom that osteoarthritis produces is discomfort in the affected area, but this is imperceptible to the dog's owners until it becomes so advanced that it begins to be truly painful for the dog. This threshold is different in each dog, as each one has a different tolerance to pain.
However, when this pain increases it turns into other symptoms that are more noticeable to us. Among them are:
-
Limping
-
Lethargy and apathy
-
Reluctance or refusal to move
-
Clear signs of pain when touched
-
Defensive aggression when you try to touch the sore area
Diagnosing osteoarthritis in dogs
The diagnosis is confirmed through a physical examination and X-rays. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo we have diagnostic imaging equipment to detect osteoarthritis with precision.
During the consultation, the vet will assess the joints' range of motion, look for signs of muscle atrophy and specific pain points. X-rays allow us to visualise the narrowing of the joint space and the presence of osteophytes (small bony growths). In complex cases, we may turn to complementary tests to rule out other neurological conditions that can mimic the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
How is canine osteoarthritis treated?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that cannot be completely cured, but with the right treatment the inflammation and pain will begin to decrease and the affected area will then periodically recover its mobility. Progress can be very satisfying, but it requires ongoing care.
To begin with, the vet will use painkillers and anti-inflammatories to reduce the damage in the area affected by arthritis. Then, if your dog is overweight, a diet will be prescribed that contains the nutrients it needs to strengthen its bones and the appropriate portions for its body.
Finally, your vet may advise carrying out moderate physical activity (such as gentle walks) to strengthen your dog's body. You can also choose to include it in physiotherapy or swimming, as both help to strengthen the body and its movement without putting impact on its bones.
Exercise and physiotherapy: the importance of controlled movement
Contrary to what one might think, a dog with osteoarthritis should not stop moving; in fact, complete rest is counterproductive as it weakens the muscles that support the joints. The aim is to carry out low-impact exercise of controlled duration. Short walks on flat ground, several times a day, are much better than one long, exhausting walk. Swimming or hydrotherapy are excellent options, as they allow the muscles to be strengthened without the joints having to bear the animal's weight.
In addition to walks, you can do small rehabilitation exercises at home, such as gentle massages on the affected areas or passive stretches, always guided by a professional. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo we help you design a personalised mobility routine to prevent muscle atrophy and ensure that your companion's joints stay as functional as possible for as long as possible.
How can canine osteoarthritis be prevented?
To prevent the onset of osteoarthritis in your dog, the care it requires is similar to the physical and dietary treatment it would receive if it suffered from it. To begin with, it is necessary to look after its diet and control its weight with the vet to make sure it gets all the nutrients it needs in its daily food, and that the amount it eats each day is neither too much nor too little.
By controlling its weight you can prevent the premature wear of the cartilage, but it is also necessary to reinforce it with daily exercise. However, this must be low-demand and low-impact on its joints, such as gentle walks, otherwise we will be overworking them and wearing them down all the same.
Another factor that leads to the onset of osteoarthritis is injuries involving your dog's bones. For this reason, with any knock that you think may have impacted them, it is important to go to the vet so they can check the severity of the injury and whether or not it requires treatment for it.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with osteoarthritis?
With the right treatment and continuous veterinary supervision, a dog with osteoarthritis can enjoy a very acceptable quality of life for many years. The key lies in early diagnosis and pain management.
It is important to understand that osteoarthritis is not a fatal disease in itself, but it can compromise the animal's life if the pain prevents it from moving or carrying out its basic needs. A comprehensive approach that combines medication, a specific diet and moderate exercise (or physiotherapy) allows most diagnosed dogs to reach their natural life expectancy with dignified and happy mobility.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis in dogs
What is the best medication for dogs with osteoarthritis?
There is no single universal medication. The usual treatment combines NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain, supplements such as omega-3, chondroitin and glucosamine, and in advanced cases treatments such as intra-articular hyaluronic acid. Always under veterinary prescription.
Is there a cure for osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease with no definitive cure, but with the right treatment its progression can be slowed, the pain controlled and a good quality of life maintained for years.
At what age does osteoarthritis appear in dogs?
It can appear at any age, but it is more common from the age of 7 in large breeds and 10 in small breeds. In young dogs it is usually secondary to hip or elbow dysplasia.
How do I know if my dog has osteoarthritis?
The first signs are stiffness when getting up, limping, refusal to exercise and behavioural changes due to pain. With these symptoms, the vet will carry out an examination and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.
Your dog's osteoarthritis can progress unnoticed; keep it in check with our specialists at Clínica Veterinaria Somo
The onset and progression of osteoarthritis in dogs can go unnoticed by the naked eye. Often dogs take a knock and we do not notice it, or they acquire it through genetic inheritance and it is imperceptible until it is advanced. Visit our Clínica Veterinaria Somo in Cantabria together with your dog, and we will help you keep this disease under control in your furry friend.
