It may feel like it started overnight. Your once agile puppy seems to wake up one morning and not really able to go up the stairs, get on the couch, or jump in the car. Sometimes the early signs of arthritis can be as subtle as not being able to go for the long walks they once enjoyed. If you have noticed one or more of these signs, your dog may have arthritis.
The signs in cats are not as obvious since they are very good at hiding pain. You may notice subtle changes like your cat is no longer jumping on things they once did or it may be more obvious like your cat is now limping or his walk seems different. He may even be hiding more.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet you should first discuss it with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and may check your pet’s range of motion in his legs, palpate for neck and back pain, and possibly recommend x-rays. If you and your veterinarian determine your pet has arthritis, a treatment plan can then be made. There are different ways to treat arthritis, and which treatment you choose will depend on your pet, what you feel comfortable with, and what your veterinarian thinks will help your pet the most.
The Role of Weight in Arthritis
Weight plays a big role in the severity of arthritis pain. Overweight dogs tend to have more difficulty managing arthritis symptoms and, unfortunately, often experience shorter lifespans. While exercise is part of a healthy weight-loss plan, 85% of the effort must come from cutting food intake. Managing your pet’s weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain and improve their quality of life.
Arthritis is Lifelong
It’s also important to understand that arthritis does not go away. Once it begins, it will require lifelong management. Starting treatment early and maintaining consistent care can help your pet stay comfortable and mobile for as long as possible.
Treatment Options For Your Pet
Some treatment options that are available include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain medication, acupuncture, and Adequan. Below are some of the most common treatment options used. This list is not all-inclusive and you should discuss with your veterinarian which options are best for your pet.
Omega-three fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. It is safe to be given to both dogs and cats and is often needed at much higher doses than what humans normally take. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids are not usually dramatic but can be helpful in managing arthritis pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in many over-the-counter joint supplements. Both make up cartilage and these supplements are believed to help support cartilage when taken orally. It can take several months to see improvement. This option is also available for both cats and dogs.
Diets specifically formulated to treat joint disease (such as Hill’s Science Diet j/d) are typically high in omega-3 fatty acids and have been supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin . They can be used in animals that may be prone to arthritis or joint issues such as very active dogs. They can also be used in conjunction with pain medications and other treatment options. Ask your veterinarian which one is best for your pet.
Adequan contains polysulfated glucosaminoglycan. This is an injectable “joint supplement” that also helps support the cartilage. Think of it as the other half of the glucosamine and chondroitin as building blocks of the cartilage. Because it is injectable, it is licensed by the FDA as a drug meaning that it has passed more stringent purity and efficacy studies than nutraceuticals like glucosamine and chondroitin. Adequan has numerous beneficial effects for the arthritic patient including the inhibition of harmful enzymes involved in joint cartilage destruction, stimulation of cartilage repair, and increased joint lubrication. Usually, a series of eight injections over the course of four weeks is given, then it’s used on a less frequent maintenance schedule, usually once a month.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are fast-acting and effective at decreasing inflammation quickly. These medications suppress the inflammatory biochemicals that lead not only to pain but also to cartilage damage. They require monitoring due to potential effects on the liver and kidneys. Most dogs tolerate them well when used appropriately. Very few are approved for cats and none are labeled for long-term use in felines.
Acupuncture is another pain management option. The goal is to bring pain relief by placing acupuncture needles at specific points. The success rate varies depending on the individual animal and the severity of the arthritis. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options.
The Take-Home Message
As your pet ages, there are many things you can do to help them enter their golden years in comfort. Animals feel pain just like humans—they’re simply better at hiding it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pain management, but with the help of your veterinarian, you can develop a plan that works best for your pet. Managing weight, understanding arthritis as a lifelong condition, and exploring a combination of treatments can make a significant difference in your pet’s quality of life.