With the cold weather well and truly set in, you might be noticing that your senior dog is experiencing a bit more joint pain and stiffness than usual.
If this is the case, then your dog may have arthritis. It’s estimated that approximately 30% of dogs in Australia will develop arthritis over their lifetime, and being a degenerative joint disease, it’s mostly older pets who are affected.
Read on to find out more about arthritis, and the steps you can take to manage the condition in your senior dog.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is caused when the cartilage between joints becomes damaged, resulting in swelling and stiffness. It is more common in older dogs due to the wear and tear on their joints from years of activity, which degrades the cartilage over time.
Some dogs are diagnosed at a younger age, but this is typically due to a genetic predisposition, obesity or the result of an injury.
What are the signs of arthritis in a senior dog?
Symptoms often develop quite slowly over time, however, the onset and development of arthritis in dogs is much quicker compared to humans.
Many pet owners notice their ageing dog having trouble with stairs or getting up and down and put it down to old age. However, this decrease in mobility may well be a sign of arthritis.
Symptoms can be physical or behavioural:
- Limping during or after walking
- Loss of muscle tone
- Stiffness when walking or getting up from lying down
- Tiredness, and less interest in going for walks or playing
- No longer jumping up onto the bed or a chair
- Irritability
- Licking or chewing at a leg joint
- Sensitivity when touched on their legs
- Having toileting accidents inside
How do I know if it’s arthritis?
Arthritis is a very painful condition for pets to live with, so it’s important to make an appointment with your vet if you notice any of the above signs. While the symptoms listed above are typical for a senior dog with arthritis, they can also be an indication of other illnesses and conditions, so a thorough health check by your vet is crucial.
When attending your appointment at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital, the vet will conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog to check for stiffness and pain in their joints, as well as to rule out any other health issues. They will also have a lengthy discussion with you about any physical or behavioural changes you may have noticed in your pet. Your vet may run some diagnostic testing such as blood tests and X-rays to get a full picture of your dog’s health.
Are there treatment options?
While arthritis can’t be cured, with some intervention, it is possible to slow down its progression, as well as manage your pet’s pain. Once your vet has made a diagnosis of arthritis, they will discuss the treatment options that are appropriate for your dog considering their age, the progression of the condition, and any other underlying health conditions.
Possible treatment options can include:
- Natural supplements (such as fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (known as NSAIDS)
- Regular injections reduce inflammation of the joint
- Pain relief medication
There is a new treatment available that is a game changer in arthritis management called Beransa. This monthly injection reduces the pain message going to the brain and dogs have a much better quality of life.
Keeping your dog active with shorter, slow walks, and controlling their weight as also two important elements of managing arthritis. There are also prescription dog foods available that can help to support your dog’s joint health.
Your vet will also recommend some ways that you can support your dog at home with their daily activities. These could include:
- Having your dog’s bed at floor level for easy access. The bed should be nice and padded, with lots of blankets to keep them warm during colder nights.
- Elevating their food and water bowls so your dog doesn’t need to bend down unnecessarily
- Purchasing some pet-friendly ramps to make it easier for your pooch to get to their favourite resting spots, such as the couch.
- Placing rugs down on slippery surfaces that are heavily frequented by your dog.
- Helping your dog into the car.
Early diagnosis is key
While arthritis is a progressive condition, an early diagnosis and appropriate management plan can help your senior dog live a long and relatively active life.
Our highly experienced vets can provide detailed advice on how best to manage your pet’s arthritis, with a focus on keeping them happy and comfortable in their golden years.
To make an appointment, you can book online, call us on 03 9555 4808, or drop into the clinic at 328 South Road, Hampton East.
