Arthritis is a progressive inflammatory and degenerative disease of the joints. It can occur in any joint,
including the spine and jaw. Signs of arthritis include painful or stiff joint movement, joint swelling and a
grating sensation during joint movement. It affects 50% of geriatric dogs and 90% of geriatric cats. It is
the most common cause of chronic pain in pets.
Causes
Causes of arthritis include degeneration from aging, joint instability (hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate
ligaments, luxating patellas), deformities of the skeleton (elbow dysplasia), infection, injury, blood diseases, and immune-mediated diseases. It is worsened by obesity. Polyarthritis is inflammation of several joints at the same time. It is often associated with complex internal diseases or infections.
Radiographs (x-rays) and laboratory tests may be necessary to determine the cause and extent of the arthritis. Follow-up examinations during treatment are necessary to evaluate the response to therapy.
Arthritis is usually a controllable rather than a curable disease. Therapy is designed to minimize discomfort and delay or prevent progression of disease. It can be difficult to assess pain because pets do not cry until pain is severe. It is more helpful to evaluate disabilities than pain.
Management Plan
Your veterinarian will probably recommend a multi-modal approach including some combination of the
following:
1. Manage Weight: Obesity is a major contributing factor. Often, weight loss alone can reduce
clinical signs.
2. Manage Activity: Moderate amounts of low-impact activity (walking, swimming) are helpful.
However you should avoid or limit high-impact activity (running, jumping).
3. Joint Supplements help preserve the cartilage. Key ingredients include:
Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)
Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)
Products that we recommend (and ingredients) include:
Adequan – Polysulfate Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) (Injectable)
Prescription Diet j/d – Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Dry or wet Food)
Glycoflex – Glucosamine/Chondroitin (Chewable Tablets)
Omega 3V – Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Soft Gel Capsules)
Dasuquin – Glucosamine/Chondroitin/ASU (Chewable Tablets)
Missing Link – Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Powder)
Missing Link Plus – Glucosamine/Chondroitin & Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Powder)
EZ-CHEW Joint Support with MSM – Glucosamine/Chondroitin/Fatty acids (Chews)
4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce
inflammation and pain in the joints.
5. Acupuncture is becoming a more common alternative for controlling pain in animals and can help
improve mobility. Dr. Craig is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
6. Physical Rehabilitation is a way to decrease pain and improve mobility through the use of massage,
stretching, and therapeutic exercise. Dr. Ellie is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and can work
together with you to create an individual therapy plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
7. Environmental Modification and walking aids
Dogs- consider:
Carpet runners, yoga mats
Ramps and steps
Raised food and water bowls
Pawz booties or PawFriction for better traction
Slings such as a Gingerlead or Help’Em Up harness
Cats- consider:
Food, water and litter boxes in easily accessible areas free of competition
Low cut litter boxes that are easy to get in, turn around and get out of
Ramps and steps
Raised food and water bowls
Horizontal scratching post
8. Surgery- for some conditions, such as hip dysplasia, total joint replacements or other surgical salvage
procedures may be considered.
For more information, visit the following web sites:
www.veterinarypartner.com
www.CanineArthritis.org
https://helpemup.com/
http://gingerlead.com/index.htm
With age, pets may slow down and become a little less active, but it is not normal for them to be
lethargic. If your pet is suffering from arthritis, or seems to have no energy, please schedule an
appointment with one of our veterinarians so that we can work together to improve their quality of life.