Why is my Dog Limping?

Q: What can you tell me about arthritis in dogs?

A: If you have an older dog, you may notice that it is moving slower or takes longer to get up than it used to. A day of rough exercise may even lead to severe inactivity for the next day or two afterward. Chances are that your dog is arthritic.

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint. There are many potential causes of inflammation, but the end result is usually the same: swelling, pain and lameness. Arthritis can be aggravated or worsened by overstressing the affected joints, changes in environmental temperature or barometric pressure, external trauma, or progressive degeneration.

Arthritis is a common problem in dogs, especially larger breeds and older pets, but it can happen in any animal at any age. Arthritis in younger dogs can be caused by congenital defects (e.g. chondrodystrophy), rapid growth rates (e.g. hip dysplasia), infection (e.g. lymes disease), trauma, or autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). In older dogs, arthritis is usually the result of long term stress or instability of a joint, either as the result of an older injury or due to the natural development of the joint in that individual.

There are many products available to treat chronic arthritis in dogs:

• NSAIDS – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually a key element in treating arthritis. Older NSAIDs, like aspirin and phenylbutazone, have been around for ages, but they are now being replaced by newer drugs, such as Rimadyl, Etogesic, Metacam and Deramaxx. These newer anti-inflammatory drugs are safer and more effective for long-term use in dogs with chronic arthritis, without causing the stomach upset or kidney problems so often seen with some of the older NSAIDs.
• Corticosteroids – These drugs, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, are also anti-inflammatory in nature, but due to the high level of side effects, they should only be used short-term, or in cases of severe degeneration or autoimmune diseases.
• PSGAG – Poly-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sold under the brand name Adequan) is a naturally-occurring substance harvested from bovine cartilage. Although it can only be administered by injection, it helps arthritic joins heal by repairing damaged cartilage and increasing joint fluid production and viscosity.
• Nutraceuticals – These over-the-counter products contain the compounds glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and/or hyaluronic acid, and are sold under brand names like Cosequin, Glycoflex and Restor-A-Flex. They provide the substances that joints need to repair themselves, including the building blocks for PSGAG. The effects of these products are usually not obvious until your pet has been taking them for 6-8 weeks.
• Supplements – Other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a variety of anti-oxidants, have been used in the treatment of arthritis. Some of these compounds probably do provide some relief in arthritis symptoms, but their use is controversial.

Proper exercise is excellent physical therapy for the arthritic pet as it is crucial to maintain as much muscle mass as possible to support the abnormal joint. Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, helps build strength without overstressing the joints. Massage and gentle flexion/extension of the joint may also help. ReMEMBER, treatment for joint disease is likely to involve a combination of medications in addition to physical activities.

If you think that your dog has arthritis, see your veterinarian. Often times just a good orthopedic exam, coupled with x-rays of your dog’s affected joints, will diagnose and stage your dog’s arthritis, and then your vet can recommend a proper course of therapy to help slow its progression and make your pet more comfortable.