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CANINE ARTHRITIS
by
Anthony Coyne MVB MRCVS
Animal Herb Company

What is Arthritis?
This is inflammation in a joint. This can result in changes to the joint cartilage, the joint fluid, the bones involved in the joint and the actual capsule of the joint.

What are the common types of Canine Arthritis?

Many forms of arthritis occur in the dog. The following list gives an idea of what the main types are.

• Osteoarthritis
• Immune-mediated
• Infective
• Idiopathic (where the cause is unknown)

In this article we will discuss the most common form of the disease which is osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

This is joint disease involving degeneration of the articular cartilage followed by remodeling and new bone formation resulting in the signs of arthritis in the dog.

What are the signs of arthritis in the dog?

• Gradual onset of lameness in one or more limb.
• Dog less inclined to go for walks and may be reluctant to climb stairs.
• Onset of stiffness being worst in the mornings improving as the day
  progresses.
• Pain on palpation of the joints.
• Joints may be swollen.

What are the causes of arthritis in the dog?

• It frequently may be caused by traumatic injury resulting in joint instability.
  e.g. tearing of the cruciate ligament.
• Overweight, obesity can hasten its development by increasing the concussive forces in the joint.
• The joints may be genetically weakened or unstable as occurs in cases of hip dysplasia for example.
• In young dogs it may be caused by failure of proper bone development. e.g. OCD

How is a diagnosis of canine arthritis made?

• Usually based on the history as described above.
• The clinical signs and by palpation of the joints.
• Radiography is very important in assessing degree of joint changes.
• Joint fluid can be analyzed.

What treatments are available?

• Remember firstly to deal with any problems of obesity.
• If there is a traumatic cause , surgical repair of ligaments may be necessary to stabilise the joint.
• Fitness and exercise are important.
• Anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary to control pain and inflammation and are extremely beneficial when used sensibly and under the guidance of your veterinarian.
• Acupuncture can give excellent results in pain management and may
  eliminate the requirement for medications.
• Herbal medicine can give great benefits also as they are designed to treat the animal in a holistic manner. Be confident in your choice of herbal practitioner and ask your veterinarian for guidance if unsure.

Authors' experience in practice

I have found lots of different therapies of use in my treatment of cases of canine arthritis. Anti-inflammatories are excellent when used wisely and monitored. However as a practitioner with a holistic leaning I have endeavored to keep the usage of drugs to a minimum. Acupuncture often amazes me in the results and also in the longevity of the improvement. I will often put my patients on our herbal supplement Anistiff Canine to supply vital nutrients that help restore health alongside the acupuncture treatment or as a supplement on its own.

Related Topics
Canine Muscle and Bone Diseases - Arthritis

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