A degenerative joint disease, arthritis inflicts dogs just as it does humans. Much of the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joint is what causes the pain and disability in the dog as it ages. Having a cartilage that has been injured lends itself to releasing inflammation-causing enzymes. This disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself.
Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that’s reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.
Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog’s quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.
The joint of a dog is comprised of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. For a smooth gliding function, the soundness of a joint capsule is extremely important. The production of hyaluronic acid and defense capabilities are of primary concern. To ensure adequate nutrients and lubrication to the cartilage, adequate synovial fluid is needed. This also maximizes the metabolic waste removal from the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis is quite often referred to as the wear and tear joint disease. As OA progresses, the subchondral bone becomes thicker, which increases the load on the cartilage, causing further damage and pain in the joint. The low-grade inflammatory process and joint capsular thickening will cause a decrease in range of motion as well as reduced functioning.
Popular for treating dogs with arthritis are the Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals. To utilize a comprehensive treatment plan it would combine the use of the following: exercise modification, weight loss, physical rehabilitation, nutritional therapy, pain management and possibly surgery.
Weight loss reduces the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. For dogs with hip dysplasia, reducing their body weight has enormous benefits. The most perfect exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. This moves all of their joints through a good range of motion without placing the stress and impact of the weight upon them.
Omega-3 fatty acids help with dog arthritis pain. They prevent inflammation, degeneration of the joint, normalize the immune system, and prevent abnormal cell growth. Good sources of Omega-3 are found in green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and in cold water fish oils. The quality of oils will vary; look for organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers.
Nutraceuticals such as chondroitin and glucosamine also have anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and can be used with other products. It has been shown that they reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Glucosamine HCL is one of the best since it is easily absorbed into the joint.
Some herbal supplements that have been used for centuries in India are Boswellia and Tumeric. These naturally fight joint inflammation and are effective in reducing pain. Devils Claw and Ginger are also very helpful in the treatment of arthritis.
If you want to change the course of the disease, relieve the pain from it and use something totally natural, Acupuncture has been around for centuries. The results on animals is astounding.
Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.
If we modify the home to accommodate our companion dogs, it helps make their life much easier. One of the easiest modifications to make and utilize is the ramp. This prevents the dog from having to navigate up and down stairs. Raised feeding dishes and water bowels help reduce neck and back strain. Stiff, achy and painful joints are helped with heated beds. After all modalities have been exhausted, drugs or surgery may be useful. For the well-being of your dog, do everything else before that route.
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