Dog joint pain is quite common, in fact about 25% of all dogs will experience joint pain. This is due to inflammation, and

Little Trooper

is almost certainly some form of arthritis. Arthritis is one of the earliest known diseases in both humans and animals. Scientists have actually found evidence of arthritis in fossilized bones of early man as well as dinosaur bones!

Dog joint pain can be the result of injury or infection, but overwhelmingly in most cases, the cause of dog joint pain is arthritis.

Arthritis in dogs usually occurs in dogs over 4 years of age, but in some instances can occur at an earlier age.  It seems to affect larger breeds more than the smaller breeds. Dogs that are overweight or obese and have arthritis will suffer more than most, because of the added stress on the joints from the extra weight.

The disease is degenerative, meaning it occurs over a long time and there is no known cure. It affects the joints, tissue and ligaments. Hip displacement known as hip displaysia, damaged ligaments and tendons can all lead to arthritis and dog joint pain. There is erosive and Non-erosive arthritis.

Osteo-Arthritis

This is an erosive form of arthritis. X-rays will show an increase in the density of the joint bones, narrowing of joint openings, and bone spurs can be present at the ligament attachment points. These will all be a source of dog joint pain. Animals with osteo-arthritis will quite often be “stiff” especially after a nap or upon waking first thing in the morning.

Irrational behavior and irritability (bad moods) are all symptoms of arthritis. If the dog is subjected to cold weather or damp conditions, this can make the symptoms much worse. If you notice your 4 years and older dog slowly moving about or being reluctant to place weight on a leg or legs, this could mean that it has arthritis.

The condition can be managed but there is no cure. Teams of scientists around the world are constantly developing new and safer drugs for use in the treatment of arthritis. Because approximately one fifth of humans will also develop some form of arthritis, drug companies know that the research and development of better drugs is a very lucrative business.

This is also true for animal medicines. Whenever there is a huge market in drugs for medical conditions such as arthritis, huge amounts of money will be put into the R & D of new drugs.

If your dog has a swollen joint from an injury such as a sprain, and has dog joint pain, it can be treated with aspirin at the dosage of 10mg/Kg (2.2 lbs) every 12 hours and the animal kept confined for about 2 or 3 days. This is to rest and minimize movement of the limb and hasten the time for recovery.

Aspirin should not be used for longer than this time frame because of the potential to cause stomach ulcers and liver/kidney problems. If Aspirin is to be employed, then ensure it is a buffered type of the drug – this is much gentler on your pets insides and is one of the most effective painkillers for dogs!

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is also a form of erosive arthritis and seems to affect the small breeds more than the larger breeds. It can afflict dogs as young as 4 years of age and sometimes younger. Symptoms can be a shifting lameness and being so called “stiff”, particularly upon waking. Swelling in the smaller joints (wrists) is a classic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.

Non-erosive arthritis causes swelling within the joints but does not damage or destroy tissue or ligaments. It is treated successfully using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment should be for at least 8 to 10 weeks, and the animal exercised gently to increase the mobility of the joints as well as ward off muscle atrophy.

 Immune Related Arthritis

This can be erosive or non-erosive.  Cartilage and bone surfaces are damaged with erosive arthritis, while the non-erosive type will cause inflammation but tissue remains undamaged. Both are serious types of arthritis resulting in dog joint pain.

Infectious Arthritis

Dog joint pain is also associated with these types of arthritis. They include Fungal arthritis, Spirochetial arthritis, and Rickettsial arthritis. All are caused by a nasty little insect called a tick (see image of dog with a tick under its eye).

Doxycycline and Tetracycline are used to treat these arthritic conditions and alleviate dog joint pain.

 Summary

As the dog’ the owner you are in a position where, early on, you can tell if your pet is suffering discomfort and acting unusually. Only you can decide to take your dog to the vet to receive an appropriate medical examination and consequent diagnosis and treatment options.

Remember dog joint pain can be treated and managed successfully – the sooner the better.