ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

What is arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is a chronic degenerative inflammatory disorder which causes damage to cartilage of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is characterised by pain, stiffness of the joints and subsequent loss of function and poor mobility. For animals suspected to have arthritis, it’s diagnosed by a veterinarian through physical examination and additional diagnostics, such as X-Rays.  

Causes

Arthritis is not a disorder from ‘getting old’, it can occur in young animals as well. Arthritis is caused by a combination of factors that contribute to developing osteoarthritis.

• Body condition & build - obesity is highly correlated with arthritis. How a dog’s body is naturally ‘built’ can also contribute
• Dog Breed: some breeds are predisposed or susceptible to developing arthritis as well as conditions associated with arthritis. (See below examples)
• Abnormal joint development: e.g., hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella.
• Orthopaedic surgery and history of injury; past fractures, ligament damage, muscle injury, joint infection, and history of orthopaedic surgery.
• Nutrition: A history of poor nutrition can affect bone & joint health, particularly later in life.

Sometimes arthritis cannot be avoided; injury or growth abnormalities may occur despite a healthy lifestyle and young age.  Dogs with arthritis can live long, happy lives through management. Adjustments include changing routines, slowing down or changing in styles of activity, plus keeping to a veterinary treatment plan – as outlined further in this blog.

Signs of arthritis

Signs of arthritis (joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness) lead to increased discomfort and reduced activity, especially during a ‘flare-up’. Flare-ups are exacerbated during colder weather. For this reason, Autumn is a good time to consider assessing your senior dog’s bone and joint health. Dogs that have had orthopaedic surgery are also susceptible to bone/joint discomfort in cold weather; they too should be checked annually for signs of arthritis. Signs include:

• Reduced activity: Less interest in moving, walking, playing, using stairs or steps. Reduced activity may lead to weight gain, putting further stress on joints, adding to arthritic pain.
• Pain: Licking and chewing at joints, reluctance being touched around joints - especially legs. Whining/crying. Pain and stiffness can be worse for your dog if the arthritic joints become cold.
• Manner of walking: Changes to gait, walks more slowly, walks stiffly, smaller strides when running, jerky/choppy gait, limping and stiffness, difficulty walking and getting up from sitting/laying down. Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture. 
• Muscle atrophy: A noticeable loss of muscle mass, especially on legs.
• Behavioural change: Besides physical changes some dogs also change behaviourally, becoming aggressive and agitated towards other dogs or humans around them.

Diagnosis and treatment

If diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss appropriate management and treatment options –normally encompassing a plan including medication combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. Your veterinarian may decide to reduce the pain and inflammation experienced by your dog, so that they can be comfortable enough to become mobile. Mobility, flexibility, and strength-building is included in arthritis management. Please NEVER use human medications without first consulting a veterinarian, as some human medications are toxic to dogs. Some veterinary prescribed medications may include:

Veterinary Medications:

There are excellent arthritis medications available which can improve your dog’s quality of life. These medications manage pain and inflammation effectively, bringing the opportunity for your dog to be comfortable enough for you to implement other prescribed changes in their veterinary plan, such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or gentle, regular exercises. Veterinary medications may include

1.     Beransa Injections

The latest science in canine arthritis pain relief and management - Beransa injections - are a monthly antibody injection to relieve pain associated with arthritis. A monoclonal antibody, Beransa specifically targets and blocks nerve growth factor (NGF), a key component of pain perception, providing substantial relief for dogs experiencing arthritis pain. In Australia, Beransa has been approved for use in alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Injections last between 4-6 weeks. See Zoetis website for more information

https://www2.zoetis.co.nz/products-solutions/dogs/beransa

2.     Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium injections (Pentosan, Cartophen, Synovan and Zydax) is a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) used to treat non-infectious and traumatic arthritis in dogs. Injections are given by your veterinarian (weekly x4 repeated either every 6 months or 1 per month) over several months.   Pentosan acts as a joint lubricant by improving synovial fluid flow to joints and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

3.     NSAIDS such as Meloxicam

NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be effective and cost-effective in treating inflammation. NSAIDS work by relieving pain, swelling, and redness. Meloxicam is offered as either a daily oral tablet or injectable medication, used to treat the symptoms of Osteoarthritis (inflammation and pain). Never give human NSAIDS to dogs unless first consulting a veterinarian. There are many registered veterinary NSAID to try as well.

4.     Joint Supplements - Nutraceuticals

Natural joint supplements can help support healthy joints and may aid in relieving arthritic pain alongside medications. Some of these include glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega 3 fatty acids, green lipped mussel supplements, or plant supplements for pets, such as 4Cyte.

Nutraceutical example - 4Cyte for dogs

Many dog owners have noted recovery improvement in supporting their arthritic dog or pets after orthopaedic surgery by adding nutraceuticals to a prescribed veterinary plan. 4Cyte contains a plant derivative called Epitalis. A natural (nutraceutical) anti-inflammatory that can safely be taken in conjunction with Beransa injections or NSAIDS (such as Meloxicam). 4Cyte is a popular post-operative (orthopaedic) treatment as it gently helps treat inflammation.  Available in liquid form and granules, it includes green lipped mussel, shark cartilage and abalone and plant derivative Epitalis. Safe to use long-term and with other medications. You can read more about this here: https://au.4cyte.global/dogs/

CBD Oil.

Some dog owners have asked about using CBD oil in treating their pets with osteoarthritis.

There are still questions about the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as treatment for arthritis on canines.

 Frontiers in Veterinary Science published an article (2023 Sep) concluding that although

“…CBD is considered safe for treating canine OA. …the evidence is very uncertain to conclude its clinical efficacy. High-quality clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the roles of CBD in canine OA.”

You can read the full article here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10540436/

Other treatments:

Physical therapy and weight management

Exercise and a good diet are key lifestyle strategies in managing arthritis in your pet. Maintaining mobility of the joints, keeping weight down, increasing strength of the muscle supporting the joints, and good nutrition, all work together to maintain good health, prevent flare ups, and slow down deterioration from arthritis.

1.     Physical Rehabilitation Therapy: Targeted physical rehabilitation like Hydrotherapy has been shown to improve joint mobility and strength in arthritic dogs and pets after orthopaedic surgery. Buoyancy of water helps with mobility whilst minimising weight bearing on joints. Muscle strengthening exercise can be achieved in a low-impact aquatic environment. Types of hydrotherapy include underwater treadmills, deep-end immersion (pool aided by a therapist) swimming (supervised pool exercise). Veterinary rehabilitation therapists/physiotherapists can provide plans with exercises and stretches that are both safe for your arthritic dog to do, and help them achieve the mobility, strengthening and weight loss required.

2.     Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential as it reduces stress on joints and arthritic pain. Excess weight creates a spiral of increased joint deterioration, inflammation, pain, and mental distress. Weight management is achieved through regular exercise (the rule is ‘little and often’ for older arthritic dogs) and switching diets to a high protein/low fat food and nutritious food for senior dogs. In the past, obesity was thought to only affect arthritic joints by adding extra strain and increasing the wear and tear on joints. Recent research demonstrates that fat (adipose tissue) accumulating in overweight dogs secretes inflammatory and pro- inflammatory hormones, contributing to further inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis. Therefore, weight control is an important factor in treating and managing osteoarthritis in dogs.

Diet and arthritis  

Switching to low fat, nutritious diets, specific for older dogs can help your arthritic dog lose weight or keep weight off. There are several dog foods available which can offer nutritional needs and joint support for your dog. Speak with your veterinarian about this for best advice.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) or Glucosamine have been shown to provide joint support. The right amount should be considered to have a substantial positive impact on the joints. It is also important to consider the kind of omega-3 fatty acid will be absorbed easily and readily. There are ready made/nutritionally complete diets on the market which are specifically formulated for mobility/arthritic needs.

Some clinically based veterinary ‘mobility’ prescription diets available include

Hill's J/D Prescription Diet,

Royal Canin Advanced Mobility, and

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary JM Joint Mobility.

Again, your veterinarian is the best source for a recommendation. You may also consider low fat, high nutrition diets such as

Fit-n-Flash Kangaroo Kibble or Fish Kibble.

Non-prescription. lean meat with a highly nutritious blend of vegetables and fruits.

Kangaroo - Made with human grade, wild, free-range kangaroo meat, and containing a very low-fat content of approximately 1%. With essential amino acids for muscle health. Grain and potato free. The Fish kibble contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, benefitting muscle development, skin, and fur health. Includes green lipped muscle, assisting with joint mobility.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Light Low Fat (wet can or kibble)

Prescription food, highly palatable. Low fat, hydrolysed protein (chicken) loaf to help support/ prevent stomach upsets whilst losing weight.

A precisely formulated diet for dogs with conditions requiring a highly digestible, significantly fat restricted nutritional solution. Diet is complete and balanced and can be fed long-term. A highly digestible formula with balanced fibres, including prebiotics, to support healthy digestion and gastrointestinal transit. Limited fibre content to allow provision of maintenance energy levels despite fat restriction. Helps in aiding weight loss in obese dogs.

Royal Canin maxi ageing loaf (can)

Non-prescription. For large breed dogs over 5 years old, ROYAL CANIN® Maxi Ageing Loaf is a nutritionally complete and balanced wet food diet scientifically designed to meet a large dog’s specific needs and support them throughout their senior years, with a combination of vitamins and minerals to help maintain healthy bones and joints in ageing dogs including EPA and DHA.

What can owners do?

Pet owners can do simple things at home to help manage arthritis in their dogs, especially in colder months. Lifestyle Modifications include

1.  Soaking in a warm bath can ease arthritic pain and stiffness; heat helps reduce pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms, increases circulation, and helps your dog relax.
2.  Exercise: Regular daily exercise that is moderate (short walks) can help maintain joint health. 
3.  Comfort at home: Provide a comfortable environment for you dog especially for colder months.

• Soft warm bedding. Thick wool blankets folded over can help keep joints supported and warm.
•  Ramps to replace stairs, getting in/out of a car, or getting on/off furniture.  
•  Use a harness when walking to take strain off their neck & support their back.
•  Older dogs may tire or begin to feel pain on walks, for this reason some owners support their older arthritic dog with a dog ‘pram’ or dog cart.
•  Raised water/feeding bowls to elbow height, to take strain off their neck
•  Non-slip surfaces, like rubber underlay rugs over slippery surfaces can help them move better in the house.
• Keep them warm. Avoid letting your dog get cold, especially in cooler months. Warm coats on dogs overnight, placing heated wheat bags on bedding. Keep your dog in a warmer part of the house overnight in cooler, wintery months.    
• Avoid High-Impact Activity: Limit or prevent any activity that will put excessive stress on your dog’s joints. This includes running, jumping, and sudden twisting. 

Arthritis is treated through management – there is no cure. Committing to a prescribed plan of good diet and exercise, and providing comfort for your dog in the home, as well as supporting a medication plan provided by your veterinarian, is the best way to help maintain long-term quality of life in your dog. Over time, your veterinarian may reduce the amount or frequency of medication once your dog’s weight and mobility reach a manageable level and their pain is under control.

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