Treating Arthritis in Dogs

"Treating arthritis in dogs is necessary in about 1 in 5 pets. Other names are osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. The condition cannot be cured, but treatment can result in an improved quality of life."

Treating arthritis in dogs, like humans arthritis can be caused by an injury or disease. Unlike humans where an injury doesn�t immediately manifest itself as arthritis, in dogs symptoms can be seen within several weeks (called secondary arthritis).

Most arthritis cases are inherited such as hip dysplasia. Other causes are infection or some type of immune system disorder that affects the joints.

Treating Arthritis in Dogs - Options

Arthritis treatment in dogs usually has several components:

Anti-inflamatory Medicines - prescription medications such as NSAIDs can be helpful to both reduce pain and slow down the progress of osteoarthritis. These drugs may have side effects and may requiring monitoring via blood tests to check for liver and kidney problems. Since stomach problems are the number one side effect, other drugs might be prescribed to protect the stomach. Aspirin is usually not recommended since it can help reduce pain, but at the same time cause cartilage in the joints to break down.

Steroids (also called glucocorticoids) are sometimes prescribed in low doses to help with inflammation. Higher doses like aspirin can damage cartilage. Work with your veterinarian when using Steroids.

Glucosamine Condroitin For Dogs - supplements have a clinical history of helping dogs with joint disease. This approach is safe, but should be monitored for effectiveness. One product to consider is PetAlive Muscle & Joint Support Formula which is made for this purpose. Discuss with your veterinarian so that he or she can determine the level of effectiveness and if it can be used in conjunction with other treatment options.

Canine Arthritis Exercise - moderate amounts of exercise can be beneficial. A physical therapist that specializes in canine arthritis can design a program designed specifically for your dog. It's important not to over exercise and to keep your dog on a leash so you can control movement. Treatment with medications may allow for a more rigorous exercise routine.

Diet/Weight - Over weight dogs make arthritis treatment more difficult. You should bring your dog to within the recommended weight as soon as possible.

Surgery - used in severe cases to fuse together joints that are causing pain. This approach can help some dogs move legs that they were unable to move before.

To read more about treatment options see our guide on arthritis dog pain relief.

Examination of Canine Arthritis by a Veterinarian

Veterinarians will do a physical and an orthopedic exam. They will check the asymmetry of the limbs (do they look the same), swelling, heat, flex and extension of the limbs. The Vet will look for pain and listen to see if there are abnormal sounds coming from the joints. Bones will be closely examined, with a search for osteophytes (outgrowths from bones) that could be signs of arthritis.

If needed, your veterinarian will take X-Rays and check for fluid around the bones (called a joint tap)

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