Arthritis in Dogs

People often thought in the olden days that their dogs just became lazy as they advanced in age, little realizing that for the best friend of man, it was not laziness but painful joints that prevented them from much activity. Today, the most common reason owners of older pets seek veterinary attention is not laziness but lameness. And a minor examination reveals arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis affecting the canine friend.

Although the real cause of arthritis is not known, it may be a good idea to study the symptoms and then take appropriate steps. Of the two most common forms of arthritis, i.e. the Rheumatoid arthritis and the Osteoarthritis, the former disease condition is extremely rare while the latter tends to affect pets mostly.

As most breeds wear a heavy coat, the inflammation caused by osteoarthritis does not become immediately visible – it can though be felt by touching the affected joint. Another negative point relates to the cartilage lacking nerves as a result of which the pain is not felt till it goes beyond repair. This is what happens – as the cartilage gets damaged, the surrounding joint tissues including the joint capsule, bone segments and ligaments all suffer damage but on top of all is the cartilage damage, a loss that is irreversible, causing permanent lameness. Regular screening of the hip joint and the spinal column may prevent such physical handicap for the poor dog.

• The joint cartilage is made of chondrocytes or cartilage cells and surrounding tissue matrix.
• The composition of the matrix is made of a type of protein called the collagen, proteoglycans and watery substance.
• Several different proteoglycan molecules are there in the joint cartilage including chondroitin sulfate (GAG in cartilage) as well as keratan sulfate.
• Glucosamine, generally used for osteoarthritis treatment is a precursor chemical needed for GAG synthesis.

Now, when the animal walks, plays or runs, there is stress on all the components of the joint. And with years of stress and resultant wear and tear, the cartilage breaks down giving rise to osteoarthritis. With prolonged wear and tear, the cartilage cells hardly get any opportunity to synthesize enough proteoglycans that could H-the cartilage. As the cells become further damaged, inflammatory chemicals are released through the blood, causing inflammation, pain and further damage to the cartilage and the animal becomes unable to walk.

Most conventional therapies are unable to provide permanent cure. These drugs cannot be used on a regular basis as they have far reaching damaging effects on the liver, kidney and other vital body organs, apart from the fact that they induce bleeding of the stomach walls. They may be administered rarely and only when the animal shows signs of extreme uneasiness.

Follow the following steps to avoid arthritis in dogs. Remember a dog is a man’s best friend.

• Regular scanning of the hip joints and the spinal chord
• Weight control. Obesity makes the condition in dogs worse as well.
• Regular exercise but not over exercise.

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