Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Joint Disease
If your four-legged friend shows visible pain while walking, especially in old age, if movements are no longer as smooth as they used to be, and if he starts to limp after lying down for a long time, arthritis may be behind these symptoms.
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. If left untreated, it can also lead to →osteoarthritis, which means permanent wear and tear on the cartilage between joints. Conversely, already damaged cartilage can lead to arthritis in dogs. But how does the inflammation actually develop and manifest, how do veterinarians diagnose it, and what treatment options are available?
Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
To determine how arthritis develops in dogs, it's important to first look at the different types.
- Non-infectious arthritis: As our four-legged friends age, parts of worn cartilage can detach as a degenerative consequence of osteoarthritis. The immune system then raises the alarm and reacts with inflammation in the joint. This particularly affects older dogs. A strong crushing injury to the joint, such as from a door, can also cause such detachment of cartilage pieces.
- Infectious arthritis: Bacteria or other pathogens enter the body and trigger inflammation. Accidents from bites, falls, or abrasions create open skin areas through which germs can enter.
- Acute arthritis: The acute form of arthritis appears suddenly and causes significant swelling of the joints. These joints also become warmer than usual, which you can feel in one or more of your dog's legs. This is accompanied by lameness and severe movement restrictions.
- Immune-mediated chronic arthritis: In immunological diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory joint disease. In the immune system's defense reaction, joints are also affected, leading to arthritis.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Arthritis kann akut entstehen, oft handelt es sich aber auch um eine chronische Erkrankung. Wenn Knorpel und Gewebe sich im Alter abnutzen, ist eine Arthritis oft die Folge.
Symptoms: How to Recognize Arthritis in Dogs
Not all possible signs can be directly attributed to arthritis. However, inflammation often comes with the following symptoms:
- Lameness
- Swollen, warm joints
- High sensitivity to pain
- Restricted movements
- Refusal to move
- Sleepiness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Movement restrictions are not always directly due to arthritis. Osteoarthritis or →problems with the cruciate ligament can also be to blame.
Diagnosis of Arthritis in Dogs
If you observe several of the symptoms in your four-legged friend over a longer period, you should have your dog checked more thoroughly at a veterinary practice. A trained eye can sometimes recognize arthritis just from external symptoms.
To be on the safe side, the veterinarian will:
- Check blood values for inflammatory parameters,
- Use imaging techniques, such as X-rays, to examine the joint,
- Perform an arthroscopy to look inside the joint,
- and/or extract some fluid from the joint with a thin needle for examination.
Whether all procedures are used depends on the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes one procedure is sufficient, but in rare cases, a definitive diagnosis may take a bit longer. To avoid high veterinary costs, it’s worth looking into the benefits of a →pet insurance for dogs.
Therapy: How is Arthritis Treated in Dogs?
Once the diagnosis is made, a treatment option will be discussed depending on the extent and type of the disease.
To alleviate the inflammation, an anti-inflammatory medication is initially administered, which must be given over several days. If there is a bacterial infection, the administration of antibiotics should occur as soon as possible. Pain relievers and cooling bandages will provide relief from the discomfort after a short time.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Nach einer genauen Diagnose wird abhängig von der Art der Arthritis eine geeignete Therapiemethode gewählt.
If the joint is severely inflamed, it can also be flushed with a sterile solution in the practice. The advantage here is that medications can be applied directly to the joint.
Does your four-legged friend gratefully refuse tablets and doesn’t even think about voluntarily eating the small pills? Our liver pâté is your assistant in need and helps you easily administer the medications.
Additionally, physiotherapy can help: Targeted movements and exercises mobilize affected joints, strengthen the muscles, and thus support the healing process.
Nutrition can also contribute to the treatment: With our →Pets Deli VET wet food Joint Fit, your dog is provided with components for the health of cartilage and joints. The included green-lipped mussel can be seen as a superfood with its truly superpowers: Its meat contains the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin and glucosamine, which can support cartilage metabolism and cartilage health.
Behandlungsbegleitend an eurer Seite: Pets Deli VET
Can Arthritis in Dogs Be Prevented?
Not every situation in life is predictable. Infectious inflammations from injuries can happen quickly, so you can only prevent this by taking good care of your furry friend and not exposing them to unnecessary risks.
Avoiding →overweight is an important factor when it comes to maintaining healthy joints. The higher the stress on bones and joints, the faster they wear out. A →balanced and healthy diet ensures a healthy bone and cartilage structure, making the joints more resilient. In old age, a →special food for older dogs is worthwhile, but also in →puppyhood, an adapted diet is important, as only then can sufficient nutrients for growth be absorbed. Healthy from day one - we support you with fresh meat, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, rich oils, and fresh herbs.
