CANINE ARTHRITIS

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY DOG (continued)
Over the past few weeks, we have generally discussed the extra care that a caregiver should expend on an elderly companion animal, as well as dealt with specific ailments that tend to make the senior pet uncomfortable. Today we will deal with the last of the major ailments that contribute to the older companion animal’s declining health – Arthritis.
We are lucky to have received permission from a colleague in Trinidad, who has written comprehensively on the subject. Her name is Kristel-Marie Ramnath. Her publication was exactly the easily understandable yet detailed explanation on all aspects of Canine Arthritis that the caregiver needs to know. With thanks, we are publishing her comments on Canine Arthritis.

What is Canine Arthritis?
Canine Arthritis, also called Osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that occurs in dogs, and is characterised by pain and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Painful wear-and- tear occurs once the bones are exposed.
There are several causes for Arthritis, including inherited conditions such as Hip Dysplasia; injuries or trauma such as dislocation, fracture of bone that involves a joint, injury to muscle, ligaments or tendons; joint infections (septic or bacterial Arthritis); immune system complications (rheumatoid Arthritis) and, of course, the natural aging and erosion of cartilage as the dog gets older.
Arthritis can develop in all breeds of dogs (including mixed breeds), although larger breed dogs and overweight dogs may be more susceptible due to the additional weight pressure on the joints. Cold and damp surroundings also increase stiffness and pain in the joints. Regardless of the reason(s) for your pet’s Arthritis, the common factor is that this disease is incurable. However, certain treatment regimens can substantially improve the dog’s quality of life.
Symptoms of canine Arthritis include walking stiffly; limping, or favouring certain limbs; slowness or discomfort when getting up from a lying-down position; displaying lameness in certain limbs; swollen or sore joints; reduced agility caused by a loss of flexibility in joints; hesitation to jump, run or climb stairs; and exhibiting pain when touched in certain areas. The dog may become more irritable, and even display aggression due to pain.
Arthritis is diagnosed by a veterinarian through a physical examination, radiographs (x-rays), and also by checking your dog’s medical history for previous injuries or possible inherited conditions. You can help to prevent or possibly slow the progression of the disease by keeping your dog at a healthy weight and providing adequate exercise, but once a diagnosis of arthritis has been correctly made, there is no genuine cure.
However, it is important that you and your veterinarian devise a treatment programme to minimize the pain being experienced by your dog. This may include the use of antibiotics, analgesics (painkillers) or anti-inflammatory medications, but these should be used with strict adherence to directions from your veterinarian, because of the side effects of these drugs, such as gastric ulceration, liver failure, and kidney failure. Never administer human medication to your pet without consulting your veterinarian. It is recommended to minimise the use of medications by employing other types of treatment simultaneously, or in lieu of.
Alternative options include the use of nutritional or herbal supplements to help replenish cartilage. Examples include flavonoid-containing vitamin C, and fish oil supplemented with vitamin E. Fish oils such as salmon oil are sources of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation (not fish liver oil which is high in vitamins A and D but lower in omega-3 fatty acids). Nutraceutical supplements called glycosaminoglycans are beneficial because they protect the joint by helping to rebuild cartilage and restore synovial (joint) fluid, rather than just reducing the symptoms. These include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
An important key to controlling arthritis is maintaining your dog at a healthy body weight. Extra weight increases stress on the joints. A low-carbohydrate, moderate-fat, high-protein diet is recommended for elderly dogs with arthritis. A diet too low in fat actually makes the dog hungrier, and more likely to overeat.
In addition to a healthy diet, moderate low-impact exercise such as swimming is important, because such exercise will help to maintain joint flexibility. Well-developed muscles provide strength to help stabilize the joints.
Complementary alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage are often effective in controlling the pain associated with arthritis.
Finally, consider simple changes around the home, such as providing soft bedding; placing food and water bowls on a low table, or a raised feeder to avoid neck and spine strain.
Grooming areas of the dog which may be difficult for him to reach independently, and getting a portable ramp for the stairs or other areas where he will have to climb or jump can all be used to lessen physical stress to the joints. These would all help to make your dog as comfortable as possible.