ARTHRITIS IN DOGS - K-9Health.com

ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease found in both dogs and humans. The resulting stiffness, pain and loss of mobility can seriously effect the quality of life. Conventional treatment has classically been palliative, an attempt to lessen the pain and inflammation but doing little to address the underlying causes that lead to progression of the disease.

Conventional therapies include 1) Drugs. NSAIDs (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteriods) Widely used and effective in reducing clinical signs, unfortunately they are also associated with a high rate of side effects including gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney problems. 2) Lifestyle changes. Weight loss if dog is obese, dietary changes, carefully managed exercise. 3) Surgery.

WHAT IS IT

Joints, responsible for movement, are made up of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, synovial membranes and cartilage. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber cushioning the surfaces where two or more bones meet to form a flexible joint and creates a smooth gliding surface for the bones. Synovial fluid acts as both a lubricant and a source of nutrition for the cartilage. Cartilage is a matrix made up of collagen, hyualuronic acid and glycosaminoglycans. Because of the mechanical forces of movement and weight bearing, these matrix components are constantly being replenished in order to maintain strength and resilience in the joint. In a healthy joint cartilage is replenished as it wears away. This rebuilding process creates a large demand for key nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen. If these Abuilding blocks are not available in adequate levels it can eventually lead to degenerative joint disease.

Cartilage can break down for a number of reasons; age, injury, overuse or malformation of the joint. When cartilage breaks down faster than your dog can replace it the bones rub together causing friction, inflammation and pain that can result in loss of flexibility and limited movement. Joint instability can occur in any joint but is seen most often in the hip, elbow, knee and stifle. The joint will often crackle when moved and if ligaments are weak can Apop@ out of position. Inflammation, bone chips, lameness, pain and sometimes swelling are common.

TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

OSTEOARTHRITIS
Degenerative joint disease usually associated with Awear and tear@. Slowly progressing disease causing breakdown and destruction of cartilage faster than the body can replace it. As it gets worse the bones in the joint grind together because of loss of protective cartilage. Dog may experience intermittent inflammation, pain, reduced flexibility and loss of mobility.

HIP DYSPLASIA
Improper growth of the hip making the hip joint loose and wobbly, over time the ball and socket joint in the hip breaks down or fails to perform correctly. More common in large breeds, often hereditary but can also occur due to normal wear and tear or an injury. Complications include calcium deposits that further impair function of the joint. Dog will often experience muscle pain and the surrounding tissue may break down.

ELBOW DYSPLASIA
Usually hereditary. Bones become misshapen and often result in bone chips or spurs that break away and are very painful. Dog appears lame and is much less active. Seen more often in large dogs.

KNEE DYSPLASIA
Almost identical to elbow dysplasia but effects back leg instead of front leg. Very painful, not often diagnosed until disease has progressed substantially.

HYPERTROPHIC ARTHRITIS
Excessive bone growth creates spurs on the bones or joints. Very painful.

KNEE STIFLE
One or more torn ligaments around the knee that destabilizes the joint. Sometimes the knee will become dislocated. Painful often accompanied by swelling.

KNEECAP DISLOCATION
Usually caused by misshapen or malformed leg bones resulting in a loose kneecap that can move or dislocate out of its natural position.

CARPI ARTHRITIS
Effects the wrists and ankle areas. Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in humans. Very athletic dogs are more prone to this type of arthritis but it can develop over time in all dogs.

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