Osteoarthritis is not a simple disease. It is a complex combination of biochemical and biomechanical actions causing joint cartilage deterioration, inflammation of joint soft tissue and bone remodeling. It is often secondary to either abnormal forces on normal joints or normal forces on abnormal joints. Obesity is a common complicating factor.

It is not a recent phenomenon—arthritic lesions are found in dinosaur bones. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, only treatment of the clinical signs. It is a progressive disease and can destroy the patient’s quality of life.

Osteoarthritis exhibits a degradative cycle. The dog experiences pain, either from inciting trauma or the secondary disease process itself. The pain leads to a decrease in exercise and, often, an increase in weight. Muscle loses its tone and begins to atrophy from disuse, placing increased stress on joint structures. Cartilage damage is accentuated by the accompanying inflammation. Inflammatory chemicals decrease the pain threshold leading to increased pain, and the cycle continues.

DIAGNOSIS…
Since dogs walk on four legs minor symptoms often go unnoticed. Common complaints from owners are stiffness after resting, reluctance to exercise, restlessness, poor appetite and temperament changes. Unfortunately, these are often discounted as “old age” changes that have to be accepted. Many owners consider their dogs pain-free if they are not vocalizing, which is not true. Dogs will endure a significant amount of pain before they vocalize.

Often the best way to determine if the patient is in pain is to do a trial course of medication. If the patient feels and moves better, it means that we are relieving pain. If we determine that the patient is in pain, X-rays are often done to identify the source and confirm that osteoarthritis is the cause.

TREATMENT…
There are many tools available for management of osteoarthritis pain. We often need to determine what combination provides the best relief for the individual. Caution: Do not give human medication unless directed by your veterinarian!
1. Weight management — This often does more good than any medication. Every extra pound places increased load on abnormal joints.
2. Moderate exercise — Restrict running and jumping but long walks are great. Pay attention. If they indicate that they are ready to quit, listen to them.
3. NSAIDs — There are several good, safe, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available. We rarely see side effects but we try to use minimum doses and blood chemistries are monitored once or twice a year.
4. Oral chondroprotective agents — Glucosamine / chondroitin sulfate supplements are popular in both pets and people. Anecdotal evidence is encouraging but scientific evidence is scarce. Since these are considered nutraceuticals, not drugs, there is no FDA regulation. Quality and claims are left up to the manufacturer and actual concentrations vary widely. The recommended brand for dogs and cats is Cosequin.
5. DMAOD (Disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs — These drugs, such as Adequan, do require FDA approval, therefore more scientific evidence as to their benefits is available.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids — Although evidence is scarce, these may help reduce inflammation and certainly are safe.
7. Diet - Science Diet j/d contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids plus glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate.
8. Physical therapy — Water therapy, massage and other treatments are available at local veterinary physical therapists.
9. Acupuncture — Again, evidence is scarce, but many patients seem to benefit. We can refer you to veterinarians that are trained in this form of treatment.