Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Osteoarthritis (also: osteoarthrosis) is often associated with aging humans or animals, but what is osteoarthritis actually and how does it manifest in dogs? In osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage is affected - in various body parts such as elbows, shoulders, knees, spine, and hips. The disease progresses steadily, is degenerative (thus caused by wear and tear), and chronic. Especially seniors are affected here, who have had to endure quite a lot of cartilage in their lifetime. You can learn here how the disease develops, what symptoms and treatment options exist.
Cause: How do Osteoarthritis Develop?
In healthy joints, the bone is protected by cartilage and with the help of joint fluid, bones do not touch each other during movement. When there is damage to the cartilage due to, for example, →overweight, arthritis, or other misloads and traumas, it leads to contact and rubbing of the bones against each other - osteoarthritis develops in dogs. A previous →injury to the cruciate ligament is often a cause of osteoarthritis as well. Over time, the cartilage between the bones becomes brittle and can ultimately tear. In addition to the wear and tear of the bones, there are also deformations, redness, and swelling with pain as a result.
Particularly at risk are →large and very large dog breeds. But also four-legged friends who have been significantly overweight for a long time have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Insbesondere sehr große Hunderassen bringen viel Gewicht auf die Wage, sodass die Knorpel bei übermäßiger Bewegung schnell abnutzen können.
Symptoms: How to Recognize Osteoarthritis in Dogs
If your dog suffers from osteoarthritis, it may manifest through the following symptoms:
- Lameness: Especially after a long period of rest, dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis limp significantly. After a short walk, the lameness decreases, and the four-legged friends "warm up."
- Limited mobility, especially near joints
- Tension
- Muscle loss
- Pain
- Hardening of the joint capsule
- Ligaments and bones become visible at affected areas
Did you know that you can easily support your dog alongside the therapy by veterinarians? A healthy diet is essential when it comes to laying the foundation for a healthy life. We at Pets Deli have made it our mission to bring →healthy food to every bowl. With fresh meat, crunchy fruits and vegetables, selected herbs, and rich oils, we are always striving to create the best meal and enable a dog to have a long and healthy life. Unhealthy additives such as grains, sugar, and artificial colors and flavors are not found in our products.
Unser Futter für Hunde: gesund, ehrlich, lecker.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
If osteoarthritis has been diagnosed through examinations such as X-rays, ultrasound, possibly joint puncture, and palpation, various treatment options will be discussed in the veterinary practice. The focus here is on pain relief, but also on regaining and maintaining mobility as well as supporting joint function. The disease is initially treated conservatively and without surgery to mitigate existing symptoms.
With our →Pets Deli Wet Food VET Joint Fit, we optimally meet the needs of sick furry friends. Our Joint Fit food supports treatment with its special formula. 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. The green-lipped mussel is also the main ingredient in our →Joint Tabs for Dogs. As a →package, you have a complete set right away.
The conservative therapy may also include →weight reduction, regular but low intensity exercise, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, as well as medications to protect the cartilage.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Eine weitere Möglichkeit zur Behandlung von Arthrose bei Hunden ist die Physiotherapie, bei der ähnlich wie beim Menschen gezielte Übungen helfen.
Physiotherapy for Dogs? Absolutely! Even though the idea of your furry friend moving its legs gently on its back seems hilarious, physiotherapy is an optimal support for alleviating discomfort. In addition to relieving tension, gentle mobilization is performed, and mobility is regained. Physiotherapy for dogs can include swimming, cold and heat therapy, ultrasound, and shock waves.
After unsuccessful conservative therapy, further options such as radiation therapy, joint injection, and surgery are available. If osteoarthritis is not treated at all and lameness is attributed to age-related issues, it can quickly lead to immobility. The consequence: Dogs die earlier.
Prevention: What You Can Do to Protect Your Dog
Prevention is better than cure - and there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Prevention starts in puppyhood, as new dog owners often let their puppies jump around as they please. However, overexertion at a young age can be harmful to cartilage and bones, especially during growth. Care should always be taken to ensure that puppies do not run up and down stairs, do not jump, and do not walk for too long at a time. Adult dogs should be regularly exercised and kept fit in a varied manner. Whether →sports, long walks, or other activities - movement keeps them fit, and you should not spare your four-legged friend out of fear of osteoarthritis. It’s merely about adjusted exercise according to age.
Toben erlaubt, Treppen und Sprünge eher weniger, denn gerade im Welpenalter sind Knochen & Co. noch im Wachstum und können schnell überlastet werden.
If dogs are particularly large or somewhat older, jumps are also taboo, as excessive strain carries the risk of osteoarthritis. Additionally, large dog breeds have a considerable weight that the bones must bear. Weight plays a role at any age, as being overweight is also considered a risk factor and should be avoided.
A →balanced, healthy, and species-appropriate diet is at the focus of prevention when it comes to osteoarthritis. Bones, cartilage, and tissue need certain amounts of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals to ensure their maintenance.
