ARTHRITIS IN PETS BY: COLE HAY FROM GREENSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Pet arthritis is usually associated with ageing pets, whose bodies are not as tough as they used to be, and whose vitality appears to wane as their eyes cloud and their muzzles go white. However, it’s not only old dogs and cats who can suffer from arthritis – there are other risk factors as well. Here’s what to look out for if you suspect an arthritic pet, as well as how to help improve your pet’s joints and lessen the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
What is arthritis?
Osteoarthritis in pets is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) – a name that gives some insight into the condition. It gets progressively worse over time and occurs when joint cartilage breaks down and no longer cushions the joint as effectively as it should. This causes inflammation and pain in the limbs, which in turn limits the pet’s range of motion. They may slow down, limp, show unwillingness to jump up or down from furniture or ascend and descend the stairs – all in an attempt to minimise the pain in their joints from performing their usual movements. With less movement, the animal’s muscles also begin to atrophy, which – without the muscular support – puts even more stress on the joint. They may also develop bone spurs where the cartilage used to be, which makes the joint incredibly painful.
What are the risk factors for pets developing arthritis?
Arthritis could be a symptom of genetic conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, as well as medical conditions that affect the joints. It can also develop when other risk factors are present, such as obesity, repetitive stress (from dog sports or working conditions), age, poor nutrition, or previous bone or ligament injuries. In canines, the size of the dog is also a risk factor for arthritis: large and giant breeds are particularly prone to developing arthritis, especially if they jump up into or down from vehicles, or on and off the furniture. In felines, some cat breeds are more genetically likely to develop arthritis. Breeds like Maine Coons, Persians and Siamese are prone to hip dysplasia, so they may show arthritic symptoms; while the Scottish fold breed is genetically susceptible to cartilage problems, so many
will develop severe arthritis in multiple joints. Some older cats may develop a pituitary tumour (acromegaly) of which one of the symptoms is arthritis (usually also diabetes).
Signs of arthritis in dogs and cats
As you could expect from a condition that causes pain in the joints, the main sign of arthritis is a limited range of motion in the pet. It could look like stiffness at first, but also include signs like limping and lameness, and slowness or difficulty in getting up or lying down. Dogs especially may whimper or let out an exhaled grumble when they find the right spot on their bed and lie down. Many pets will mask their pain, but could become irritable, be unwilling to jump or play, be reluctant to run, or react negatively when they are touched or petted. Some may even lose their appetite. It may also be too difficult for them to posture for a pee or poop; and if the pain is severe, they might not make it outside in time, so having accidents indoors is another possibility. The secondary symptoms of arthritis may show up a result of a limited range of motion. These include weight gain and muscle atrophy around the spine and limbs because of less movement and exercise. In cats, they may reduce the amount of grooming they do because all those awkward positions could cause them pain. Some may spend more time grooming, trying to soothe their joints. Their claws may be overgrown because of a reduction in activity and the flexibility required to claw at cat scratching posts and tree bark.
How does the vet diagnose arthritis? In the early stages of arthritis or degenerative joint disease, the condition is difficult to detect because the pet may initially try to hide any pain or discomfort
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they are feeling. The moment you see that something is up with your dog or cat, a veterinary visit is in order to determine the cause of their change in behaviour. The vet will palpate the dog or cat’s joints to see how they respond to any pain, assess their muscle condition, observe their walking movements, and take X-rays to confirm any suspicion of arthritis or DJD. X-rays can also rule out any other conditions that may have similar symptoms.
How is arthritis treated?
The earlier arthritis is diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better. The further the disease progresses, the more cartilage is damaged and lost, and cartilage cannot be recovered or replaced. Treatment protocols focus on protecting all remaining cartilage, reducing further degeneration, as well as managing the pet’s pain and inflammation. The type of treatment the vet prescribes will be based on various conditions such as the pet’s age and how far the arthritis has advanced. • Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin and greenlipped mussel extract have been proven to support joint health, to the extent that these ingredients are included in most premium pet foods recommended for senior pets. For many ageing pets, a supplemented diet is enough to keep the arthritic symptoms at bay for a while. • Physical therapy is an important treatment option as this helps to reduce pain, maintain muscle mass, increase flexibility and improve the pet’s overall condition. From hydrotherapy, heat and cold therapy, laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), to massage, acupuncture (may not be appropriate for cats), stretching and chiropractic care. There are many physical therapies worth exploring if arthritis is diagnosed early enough. JANUARY 2022 | PETPRINTS
