Arthritis is a painful inflammation of one or more joints in dogs. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for arthritis.
Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Joint Disease
If your four-legged friend, especially in old age, shows visible pain while walking, experiences less smooth movements than before, and starts limping after lying down for a long time, arthritis may be behind these symptoms.
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. Without treatment, it can lead to osteoarthritis, which is the permanent wear and tear on the cartilage between joints. Conversely, a previously damaged cartilage can also lead to arthritis in dogs. But how does inflammation occur, how does it manifest, how do veterinarians diagnose it, and what are the treatment options?
Causes of Arthritis in Dogs
To understand how arthritis develops in dogs, it is important to first look at the different types.
- Non-infectious arthritis: As our four-legged companions age, parts of worn-out cartilage can detach as a degenerative consequence within the context of osteoarthritis. The immune system then signals an alarm and responds with inflammation in the joint. Older dogs, in particular, are affected. A strong impact on the joint, such as in a door, can also cause the detachment of cartilage pieces.
- Infectious arthritis: Bacteria or other pathogens enter the body and trigger inflammation. Accidents from bites, falls, or abrasions cause open skin areas through which germs can penetrate.
- Acute arthritis: The acute form of arthritis occurs suddenly, leading to a significant swelling of the joints. They also become warmer than usual, noticeable in one or more of your dog’s legs. Lameness and severe movement restrictions accompany this.
- Immune-related, chronic arthritis: In immunological diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory joint disease. Joints are not spared during the immune system’s defense reaction, resulting in arthritis.
Symptoms: Recognizing Arthritis in Dogs
Not all possible signs can be directly attributed to arthritis. However, inflammation often accompanies the following symptoms:
- Lameness
- Swollen, warm joints
- High sensitivity to pain
- Restricted movements
- Refusal to move
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Not all movement restriction is directly arthritis; it could also be due to osteoarthritis or problems with the cruciate ligament.
Diagnosis of Arthritis in Dogs
If you observe several of these symptoms in your four-legged friend over an extended period, it is advisable to have your dog thoroughly examined in a veterinary practice. A trained eye can sometimes recognize arthritis based on external symptoms.
To be on the safe side, the veterinarian will:
- Check blood values for indicators of inflammation
- Examine the joint using imaging techniques such as X-rays
- Perform joint arthroscopy with an arthroscope
- And/or extract and examine fluid from the joint with a thin syringe
The use of these procedures depends on the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes one method is sufficient, but in rare cases, a definitive diagnosis may take a bit longer. To avoid high veterinary costs, consider the benefits of pet insurance for dogs.
Treatment: How is Arthritis Treated in Dogs?
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan will be discussed based on the extent and type of the disease.
To alleviate inflammation, an anti-inflammatory agent will be administered initially, which must be fed for several days. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be given as soon as possible. Pain relievers and cooling bandages provide relief from discomfort after a short time.
If the joint is severely inflamed, it can also be flushed with a sterile solution in practice. The advantage here is that medications are applied directly to the joint.
If your four-legged friend gratefully rejects tablets and has no intention of voluntarily nibbling on those small pills, our liver pâté is your assistant in distress and helps you feed the medication easily.
Additionally, physiotherapy can also help: Targeted movements and exercises mobilize affected joints, strengthen muscles, and support the healing process.
Nutrition can contribute to the treatment as well: With our iHugDogs Wet Food Joint Fit, your dog is supplied with components for the health of cartilage and joints. The included green-lipped mussel can be seen as a superfood with its truly super powers: Its meat contains the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin and glucosamine, which can support cartilage metabolism and cartilage health.
Preventing Arthritis in Dogs – Is It Possible?
Not every situation in life is predictable. Infectious inflammations due to injuries can happen quickly, so the only prevention here is to take good care of your furry friend and avoid unnecessary risks.
Avoiding overweight is an essential factor in maintaining healthy joints. The higher the load on bones and joints, the faster they wear out. A balanced and healthy diet ensures a healthy bone and cartilage structure, making joints more resilient. In old age, specialized food for older dogs is beneficial, and in puppyhood, adapted feeding is equally important to ensure sufficient nutrients for growth. Healthy from day one – we support you with fresh meat, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, rich oils, and fresh herbs.
