Pet InfoRx^®
Dog Arthritis

It goes by many names, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Osteoarthritis (OA), Arthrosis or Arthritis, but in the end, we are all discussing the same health issue.

This disease is a degenerative (changing to a less functional form) and progressive (continual) process affecting the entire joint, which includes the joint capsule, the bone, the cartilage, the joint fluid, the ligaments, the tendons, the muscles as well as the nervous system.

In a healthy canine joint, the cartilage and synovial fluid act as a cushion to allow a joint to move smoothly in a full range of motion with the support of the surrounding capsule, ligaments, and muscles. In an arthritic joint, that cushion is worn down, the joint capsule is damaged, and nerves are affected, which results in pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend that your dog maintain an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle. These are the two best ways to combat and prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.

Your vet will likely recommend specific supplements, medications, and a tailored exercise regimen to keep your dog comfortable if a diagnosis of arthritis is made. You must follow these recommendations closely.

In advanced cases, additional medications and therapies may be helpful, including injections into the joint or those designed to prevent cartilage breakdown, laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma, stem cell treatments, physical therapy, and acupuncture.

Keep Your Dog Comfortable

Arthritis is a painful and uncomfortable disease. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, keep in close contact with your veterinarian and be sure to administer medications as directed.

How you can make your home easier to navigate for dogs with mobility issues:

• Lay out rugs, carpet tiles, or carper runners where your dog walks most to prevent them from slipping on hard floor or tile surfaces. "Doggie socks" and toe grips can help as well.
  
  
• If your dog is allowed on the furniture, you may want to provide a ramp or pet stairs.
  
  
• If your dog has to use stairs to go in and out to potty, build a ramp or carry them so they don't have to use the stairs.
  
  
• There are special harnesses to help support your dog if they have issues walking and going potty outside.
  
  
• Get a pet bed that is easy for them to get on and off of but also well padded. There are several comfortable orthopedic pet beds on the market. 
  
  
• For the affected joint and surrounding area (if approved by your veterinarian), warm your pet's muscles for 15 to 20 minutes with a warm compress (just a towel soaked in hot water) or a heating pad made especially for pets, as human heating pads can get too hot for animals.
  
  When the area is warmed up, do a passive range of motion (ROM). Gently move the affected joint slow along its normal path of movement in all directions. Starting with 5 minutes a session, twice a day, and then every few days, increase it by 1 to 2 minutes each session.
  
  After ROM exercise, gently massage the muscles for a few minutes and then ice the area for 20 minutes. Do not put ice directly on the skin or fur. Wrap it in a towel or use a cold gel therapy bag. The ice helps with any spasms and inflammation.
  
  
• Swimming or a water treadmill is very helpful with low-impact exercising.
  
  
• For bathing in a tub, use a grip-type surface on the bottom, like a yoga mat or towel.

Read more tips, details about the products mentioned above, and supplement suggestions.

If your dog has not made any improvements during two weeks of medications, it is time to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may require additional testing or perhaps prescribe additional pain meds to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.