Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM
Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as just arthritis, is a common condition in both dogs and people. It is often associated with aging but can occur at earlier ages due to increased physical activity, injuries or being overweight. Some cases are due to poor conformation resulting in unequal forces across a joint.
What dog breeds commonly develop arthritis?
Large breed dogs, in general, are more likely to develop arthritis, especially if they are very active. A dog of any breed can get arthritis if it has excess strain put on a particular joint due to being overweight or having an injury. However, the following breeds are some of the most commonly diagnosed breeds with arthritis:
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German Shepherds
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Labrador Retrievers
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Golden Retrievers
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Great Danes
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Newfoundlands
What happens to a joint to cause it to develop arthritis?
A joint serves as a hinge or rotation point between two bones. Certain joints such as hips and elbows have more movement than others such as joints between vertebrae of the back. High motion joints often are the ones that develop arthritis though any joint can become arthritic due to poor conformation (shape or structure) or excessive stresses. The ends of the bones are usually covered with cartilage within the joint space which also contains a viscous joint fluid (synovial fluid) that helps to lubricate the wear surfaces that make up the joint. Arthritis can also result from an infection of or injury to the joint. When the joint cartilages or the lubricating joint fluid become degraded, the underlying bone becomes damaged. The bone tries to heal itself by creating more bone but this new bone makes the surface rougher and thus leads to pain when the joint is moved.
How can I tell if my dog has arthritis and is there anything I can do about it?
Dogs that have a single joint in a single leg affected with arthritis are easier to diagnose because the dog may limp on that leg and have a thickened joint. However, many older dogs have multiple joints affected and tend to walk more stiffly or slowly and may not jump up on furniture like they used to. A veterinarian relies on radiographs (X-rays) as the primary tool to diagnose osteoarthritis, after a thorough physical examination to determine which joints are most likely affected. While some treatments are general such as supplements, other treatments may be injected into a joint so it is important to know which joint to inject it into. More general treatments such as nutritional supplements, weight management, exercise and pain management drugs will be helpful if multiple joints are involved.
Will exercise make my dog’s arthritis worse?
Because obesity (See article on obesity – link) is a major risk factor for the development of arthritis, an important part of treatment is reducing weight. Though it seems counter-intuitive, frequent low-intensity exercise is also helpful to strengthen muscles that stabilize joints, improve joint lubrication and may actually reduce pain. Running, agility and frisbee play are NOT low impact exercise and should be avoided. Walking or hiking while on a leash and swimming ARE good low-impact exercises.
What are the major treatment options for arthritis in dogs?
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are numerous options for treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as firocoxib, deracoxib, carprofen, meloxicam and grapiprant are commonly prescribed to treat dogs for pain related to arthritis. This class of drugs does have some potential side-effects including kidney damage and gastrointestinal tract ulceration. If these drugs are to be used for longer periods of time it is a good idea to periodically monitor kidney values. In an older dog that may already have kidney disease, testing of kidney function prior to starting these drugs is advisable. These drugs do not fix the arthritis, they primarily help with pain.
2. Monoclonal antibodies. A newer class of drugs, monoclonal antibodies that target nerve growth factor, has recently become available. Nerve growth factor is a major driver of the pain response with arthritis so blocking it will reduce pain. As with any of the treatment options, you should discuss with your veterinarian to determine if this option is suitable for your dog.
3. Therapeutic laser and acupuncture. Therapeutic laser, usually with a Class 4 laser, can also be helpful and is generally regarded as safer though does require use at a veterinary hospital for the higher power lasers. Laser therapy requires periodic treatments, usually more frequent at first then at decreasing intervals until an appropriate “maintenance” treatment interval is determined for an individual dog. Acupuncture is another complementary procedure that has been shown to be helpful and does require periodic sessions with a veterinarian well trained in its use.
4. Nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements). Nutraceuticals, nutritional supplement products that are typically available over-the-counter and are administered orally, are also available. These products often contain a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and may also contain other compounds such as cetyl myristoleate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic acid, Omega-3 fatty acids and green lipped mussel. Because nutritional therapeutic products are not very strictly regulated it is important to use products from reputable companies. Your veterinarian is a good resource to help you choose better products.
5. Regenerative therapies. Regenerative therapies such as stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma (PRP) are other options that can be helpful. These therapies rely on cells or fluid collected from the patient then processed to increase their innate healing properties. These products must be injected into the joint using sterile technique and are a more expensive option.
6. Surgery. Surgical procedures such as arthroscopy or joint replacement can be used in specific joints to either reshape the bone, remove bone spurs or to replace the damaged joint components with an artificial replacement. Not all joints are amenable to arthroscopy, particularly in small breed dogs. Joint replacements are most commonly performed in hips and stifles (knees). Surgical procedures are the most expensive option in the treatment of arthritis.
Summary
This brief overview is intended to provide education of what osteoarthritis is, what dogs are most susceptible and the multitude of treatment options. Numerous treatment options for a condition generally means that there is not one best treatment and arthritis treatment is a good example of this. Your veterinarian can help you determine the severity and localization of arthritis as well as what combination of treatment options will be most beneficial in YOUR dog.
