Osteoarthritis

AND OBESITY

TEXT: COURTENEY FERREIRA

Obesity has been called the most important health problem facing humans in the Western World by the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, it is affecting our pets as well. Some of the literature and statistics from Veterinary Clinics show that more than 50% of dogs that come into the vet clinic in the United States are overweight or obese. This makes obesity the most common nutritional health problem facing dogs.

THE LINK WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that causes loss of joint cartilage, thickening of the joint capsule and inevitably leads to pain and dysfunction in the body. OA can also occur secondary to other orthopaedic conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, patella luxation or cruciate disease.

OA affects many dogs, and reports show that over 50% of dogs that have OA are also overweight.

Banfield Pet Hospital's 2019 State of Pet Health Report concluded that cases of OA in pets have increased at an alarming rate, an increase that directly corresponds to the rising rates of obesity in pets.

It's not difficult to understand the mechanism of this in that increased loads on the joints due to being overweight will impact articular cartilage and the structures around the joint itself. Carrying this excess weight thus sets the stage for joint damage and, subsequently, OA, leading to chronic pain. This risk of OA also increases with age and the size of the dog.

Thus, it is evident that weight management plays a significant role in managing and preventing OA.

DID YOU KNOW?

Of course, the increase in pain and inflammation associated with OA in overweight pets is in large part due to the increased wear and tear on the joints, but did you know that fat (adipose tissue) is biologically active and actually secretes hormones and chemicals that cause and enhance inflammation and thus pain?

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OA

What you may think is 'just old age' might be OA. In dogs, signs of pain or OA include the following:

• Sitting with a hind leg loosely out to one side

• Loss of interest in playing

• Difficulty rising from rest

• Reluctance to go up or downstairs

MANAGEMENT OF OA

NOTE: The effects of obesity are much further reaching than just OA because it contributes to many other diseases and shortens our pets' lives by increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

A good quality diet and the appropriate daily amount for your dog's desired weight is recommended. The addition of joint supplements can be welcome but serve little purpose if the dog continues to be overfed and carry too much weight. Treats can be given, but remember to take these calories out of your dog's daily meal portion so that they are not ingesting extra calories over and above their recommended caloric intake. Treats given should preferably be low in sugars and carbohydrates. Just remember that feeding does not demonstrate love! Instead, go for a walk, scratch their tummy or teach them a new trick. It will be better for them in the long run - we promise!

Regular weigh-ins will keep you, as an owner, accountable, for your pet's weight, and this is an integral part of the process you should commit to. Should OA be significant, your vet will likely recommend Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatories to be used as directed or on an ongoing basis. You should also consider using a Veterinary Physiotherapist who will be able to assist in maintaining the range of motion of your pet's joints and overall mobility and comfort in order for them to live as comfortably as possible. All of these things will contribute to allowing your pet to have the quality of life they deserve, despite the OA.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

At the end of the day, the take-home message is this: obesity in pets causes pain and predisposes them to a myriad of other diseases. As a responsible pet owner, it is up to you to keep your pet as healthy and lean as possible - for his own good.