Are you noticing your dog having a hard time getting up from a resting position or maybe that your cat does not jump up to their favorite windowsill anymore? These may be subtle signs that your pet has arthritis pain. Thankfully your pet does not have to suffer, there are many options today to help you support your pet and improve their quality of life.

 

Arthritis is simply inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can result from any change involving the parts of the joint – the cartilages (the tissue surrounding bones that acts like a cushion), the fluids that nourish and lubricate the joint, the bones that make up the joint, or even the outer capsule or cover surrounding the joint. In the dog, the most common locations for arthritis pain is in the weight bearing joints - the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles.

 

There are many types of arthritis including degenerative joint disease, infectious joint disease, and immune mediated joint disease. Degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis seen by veterinarians. Primary degenerative joint disease is a complex condition that occurs over time, when the soft cartilages of the joint begin to break down. Normal wear and tear on bones that have little to no cushioning means that bones will rub together abnormally causing various degrees of pain. Secondary degenerative joint disease develops when there is normal cartilage, but there is an abnormality in the bones or associated structures such as with hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip sockets), bone fractures, displacements of bones (luxations), or torn tendons or ligaments which allow abnormal bone movement. Infectious joint disease occurs when infection enters the joint cavity either from a tear in the outer capsule or infection in the blood. These joints are typically very swollen, warm to the touch, and very painful. Infectious joint disease can be caused by bacteria, tick borne disease, or fungal infections. Immune mediated joint disease occurs when there is a weakness in the immune system and the body attacks itself. Many times the joints are not damaged with immune mediated diseases, but can be very painful if the underlying problem is not identified and treated.

 

Often there are multiple sources that factor into arthritis pain. A few of the causes have already been discussed above, but other causes of arthritis include genetics of the pet, age of the pet, lack of proper nutrition, obesity (too much nutrition!), active lifestyles that put constant strain on the body, and trauma. 

 

How can I tell if my pet has arthritis? 
 

Sometimes we wish our furry companions would tell us exactly where it hurts, but sometimes it is not so obvious. This is where you come in! As a pet owner, noticing changes – even small changes – in pet behavior can be helpful in identifying pain. Here are a few signs your pet may have arthritis pain:

 

 

The key to this question is that arthritis is managed, not cured. If you suspect your pet has arthritis pain, step one is to visit your veterinarian. Together you and your veterinarian can discuss history and physical exam findings to determine what type of arthritis is affecting your pet. Your veterinarian may recommend a radiograph (or x-ray) of a particular painful joint, blood work, or even collection of fluid from the affected joint found during the physical exam. In recent years, more and more medications have been developed to help in the management of arthritis pain in pets. Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to help decrease the inflammation of joints and ease the pain experienced by your pet. Some veterinarians may also recommend dietary supplements which help support the cartilage in damaged joints or decrease inflammation over time. It is very important that you as a pet owner, do not self medicate your pet for arthritis pain. Many over the counter pain medications for humans such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen, and Aspirin can be dangerous for your pet’s health. If you have any questions about medications to give your pet, you should always contact your veterinarian first.

 

Diet and exercise will be the most important components. If your pet is overweight, it will be crucial to help your pet lose weight. Extra weight places unnecessary strain on already painful joints. Exercise is also key – but in moderation. Pets that are painful will be reluctant to get moving at first, but many times will “warm up” once they get started. Light exercise is recommended for arthritic pets – meaning short walks on a leash or play in the back yard. Be careful to avoid excessive jumping or running as this may leave your pet more painful than they started. Swimming is also a great exercise, providing a low impact form of exercise that is not tolling on the joints. Modifications around the house helps too, such as raising the food bowls to a comfortable level, providing extra soft bedding/padding to favorite sleeping places, placing non-skid mats on slick surfaces for better grip, and providing ramps up stairs or furniture for easier access where pets are allowed.

 

Don’t let arthritis pain cripple your pet’s quality of life – see your veterinarian today and see what you can do to help.