Does My Pet Have Arthiritis or Osteoarthiritis?
Dr. Phil Richmond
1. What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that is most commonly seen in the hip, knee (stifle), elbow, wrist (carpus), and ankle (hock/tarus) of our pets. The cartilage in joints acts as a shock absorber. The condition begins when the cartilage of these joints is damaged and a cascade of inflammatory changes occurs. This can happen from injury or “wear and tear” over time. When this protective tissue is damaged, pain is transmitted from exposed bone and deeper tissue to the brain.
2. What are the signs of osteoarthritis?
There are many subtle and not so subtle signs that our pets demonstrate when they have degenerative changes in their joints. Here are some signs to look for:
• Reluctance to take walks of usual length
• Stiffness (this may improve as your pet “warms up”)
• Difficulty climbing stairs, onto the bed/sofa, or in the car
• Difficulty rising from rest (especially after a long nap)
• Limping
• Abnormal gait
• Licking/biting at joint
• Less time playing/acting “withdrawn”
3. Yes, I see these in my pet…now what do I do?
A physical exam by a veterinarian and history of your pet is the first step in diagnosing this condition. Radiographs, or x-rays, are sometimes needed of the suspected joints to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. If the diagnosis is made, a biochemical profile and complete blood count will be needed to evaluate your pet’s liver and kidney function and electrolyte levels prior to instituting medical therapy.
4. What medical therapy will my pet need?
There are five main components of medical management of osteoarthritis:
1. Weight loss/control: Getting our overweight pets to lose body weight takes an enormous amount of force off of their joints. Decreased body weight also decreases their chances of rupturing ligaments, increases activity levels, and increases overall longevity.
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs work to combat the inflammatory processes and pain that is caused by arthritis.
3. Nutriceutical Therapy: Oral supplements such as Cosequin, Glycoflex, and Chondroflex contain glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate which support cartilage integrity and help prevent further deterioration.
4. Injectable Chondroprotective Agents: A FDA approved injectable agent, Adequan, is very effective in preserving cartilage and decreasing pain in affected joints. Treatment consists of 6-7 injections the first month and can be followed with single monthly maintenance injections.
5. Adjunctive Pain Management: Acupuncture or additional pain management medications may be instituted to increase your pet’s level of comfort.
Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis allows us to make your pet’s days much more exciting and comfortable!
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