Osteoarthritis refers to damage of the joint cartilage and adjacent bone caused by abnormal stresses on the joint. These stresses are due to an abnormality in the joint which may be inherited, such as Hip Dysplasia, or caused by trauma, such as an accident or years of wear and tear on hard-working joints. DJD is a chronic, progressive disorder characterised by cartilage damage, proliferation of new bone, and thickening of the joint capsule. It is the number one cause of pain in dogs and cats.
What are the signs of OA?
The main signs of OA include pain, stiffness, difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise or to perform normal manoeuvres such as jumping into the car or climbing the stairs. They may appear to get worse in the cold weather. The lameness or gait abnormality may be intermittent, aggravated by periods of exercise, or may disappear as the dog 'warms up'. Sometimes signs may be more subtle, such as licking or biting of joints (due to pain) or a change in personality e.g. less happy or playful, sometimes aggressive and irritable. Sometimes owners won’t notice much other than the dog or cat has started to “slow down”.
How is OA diagnosed?
A history of the problem is combined with a physical examination to determine the range of movement in a joint, any joint thickening or crepitus (a crunching/crackling feeling while manipulating the joint) and the degree of pain. X-rays may useful to show the amount of new bone production, bone remodelling and other changes adjacent to the joint, narrowing of the joint space, and sometimes increased amounts of joint fluid but are often not necessary for a diagnosis. In some cases it may be advised to sample the joint fluid to rule out other causes of joint pain such as infection, and immune-mediated problems, as these have specific treatments.
How is OA treated?
The treatment depends on many factors including the underlying cause, the age of the dog, degree of bony changes present, and amount of pain and disability the condition is causing. While surgery may be helpful in some situations (i.e. stabilise joints affected by ligament ruptures, or to alleviate discomfort), most of the time the degeneration of the joint cannot be reversed and treatment focuses on preventing progression of damage and managing the chronic pain that can accompany this condition. It has been found that DJD pain is best approached by using a combination of therapies/medications or multi-modal approach.
Nutritional Supplements (Nutraceuticals).
These products ultimately improve joint function and relieve pain but require weeks to months to exert their effect. They are typically the nutraceuticals, meaning they are nutritional supplements that have medicinal properties. They are a great starting point for joint care and are often very beneficial when combined with other treatments. These include:
● Glucosamine and Chondroitin: help supply the patient with the “building blocks” necessary to repair damaged cartilage. They are also thought to have some anti-inflammatory properties. We recommend a nutraceutical called Arthritis Care that is developed to aid in cartilage regeneration while also providing herbal pain relief and reducing inflammation.
● Essential Fatty Acids: These are based around omega 3’s that are derived from cold water fish (fish oil). The ratio of EPA (eicosapentenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexenoic acid) should be around 3:2. We recommend Nordic Naturals® . Some dogs do not like the taste. It is best introduced in small amounts at a time. A good quality fish oil capsule may be an alternative.
● PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide). Is a fatty acid compound that targets the endocannabinoid system and provides natural pain relief to pets.
● Chinese and Western herbs specific to your individual pet can help manage all symptoms related to arthritis and if needed given alongside many pharmaceuticals.
● Medicinal Mushrooms can also be used to support degenerative, cognitive and neuropathic symptoms associated with arthritis.
● CBD prescribed by your vet can give long-term safe and effective pain management without needing to use pharmaceuticals with harsh side-effects.
Support at home: How owners can help
● Weight reduction or maintenance to a healthy weight is a crucial part of arthritis management.
● Exercise modification: gentle on-lead exercise rather than free running. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs with OA as it strengthens the muscles and ligaments surrounding joints without the stresses of weight-bearing exercise.
● Soft Bedding: Arthritis symptoms are always worse in the dry season so make sure your dog has a nice comfortable bed in a warm and easy to access place.
● Rehabilitation - there are numerous strategies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, massage, hydro-tread mill therapy, and physiotherapy that will be discussed by your veterinary professional.
It is best to seek veterinary professional advice about your pet's condition. There are many different treatment options available and your veterinary professional can help you decide which treatment or combination will be most effective. Your dog or cat need not suffer the pain of arthritis anymore.