Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition that can affect your dog's front legs, back legs, or both. While there's no cure for this painful condition, our San Gabriel vets can provide treatment to help manage symptoms and allow your dog to enjoy a good quality of life as they age.
What is osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis diagnosed in dogs. This degenerative joint disease can permanently damage the cartilage that cushions your pup's joints.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
This condition can cause pain in your dog's joints, which may trigger several signs and symptoms. Common signs of osteoarthritis in dogs include:
- Licking at joints
- Pain, lameness, and stiffness
- Slow, shuffling walk
- Swollen joints
- Unusual whining, irritability or aggression
- Refusal to run, jump, or use stairs
- Lack of enthusiasm for walks or play
- Reluctance to stand
- Restlessness
Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Though dogs of any breed can suffer from this condition, osteoarthritis is most often diagnosed in larger breeds like German shepherds, golden retrievers, Rottweilers, Labradors, and giant breeds.
The precise cause of osteoarthritis is generally unknown. However, the condition is often associated with underlying health issues such as injuries suffered from trauma, cruciate injuries, dislocations, hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia, and more.
Additionally, obesity may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in dogs. If your dog is carrying too much weight on its joints, this can cause the joints to weaken and become painful over time.
Treatments to Help Manage Pain
It is impossible to treat or reverse osteoarthritis in dogs. Reducing pain, controlling the condition's progression, and delaying joint degradation are the main goals of successful treatment for this condition in order to provide your dog with the most comfortable senior years.
Often several treatments will be used together to achieve pain relief and more comfortable mobility.
Painkillers / Pain Meds
Painkillers such as anti-inflammatories are often prescribed as a long-term treatment for managing your dog’s joint pain and helping to reduce swelling.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for dogs with osteoarthritis, despite the fact that this may seem somewhat paradoxical. When your dog's condition is first diagnosed, you might need to reduce some of their exercise regimen. However, keeping your dog mobile will help them stay fit, maintain their weight, and get rid of joint pain.
Exercise will need to be tailored to your dog's overall health and severity of osteoarthritis. Your vet will be sure to recommend the best level of exercise to help relieve your dog's osteoarthritis symptoms.
Diet
Managing your dog's diet will be an important part of their treatment for osteoarthritis. Any increase in weight puts additional strain on your dog's joints, so keeping your pup's weight stable will help to alleviate their discomfort.
If your dog has decreased their exercise, your veterinarian might advise a calorie-reduced diet or one that includes supplements of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids to help with symptoms.
Physical Rehabilitation (Physio for Dogs)
Dog physiotherapy is known as physical rehabilitation, and it can involve a variety of procedures aimed at lowering pain levels while preserving range of motion, enhancing muscle tone, and enhancing general endurance.
Rehabilitative therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis will generally include one or more of the following treatments: laser therapy, regenerative therapy, underwater treadmill and/or pool therapy, massage, and therapeutic exercises. These treatments may also be combined with medications to help manage the inflammation caused by your dog's osteoarthritis.
Ask your vet if there is a qualified Canine Physical Rehabilitation practitioner in your area.
Surgery
Your veterinarian may recommend surgical treatment in cases where your dog's joint damage is severe in order to help manage their symptoms and slow the progression of their condition. Surgical procedures may be required to remove bone fragments that are exacerbating the condition.
Veterinary Laser Therapy For Dogs With Osteoarthritis
Veterinary cold laser therapy can be beneficial for a dog with osteoarthritis. The laser therapy reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and promotes tissue repair in the affected joints. This can alleviate pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for the dog.
Furthermore, veterinary laser therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option that is generally well-tolerated by dogs. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as medication or physical therapy, to provide comprehensive care for managing osteoarthritis in dogs.
The Prognosis for Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Your dog can live a long and happy life with osteoarthritis if they receive effective long-term pain management and a little extra attention. Consult your veterinarian to learn more about how to treat your dog's joint pain and ensure that it lives a long and happy life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.