ARTHRITIS
Arthritis literally means ‘inflammation of the joints’. It
can be acute, which is generally reversible, or chronic, which
generally involves permanent damage to the joint structure and is also
known as Degenerative Joint Disease.
Which Pets Are Susceptible?
Animals can suffer bouts of acute arthritis at any age due to trauma to
joints, including those in the spine between vertebrae. Young animals
can also suffer from growth related problems affecting joint cartilage
and bone alignment. Immune mediated arthritic disease such as
rheumatoid arthritis also exists, but is relatively rare. The majority
of problems occur due to a lifetime of wear and tear and are therefore
more common in older animals , particularly large breeds of dogs or
overweight dogs. Certain breeds have genetic susceptibility to
specific forms of arthritis. For example, Labrador Retrievers have a
tendency to hip dysplasia resulting in extra wear and tear on that
joint. Many small terrier breeds have abnormal patella function which
can result in arthritis in the knees.
How Does The Disease Progress?
Damage within the joint causes an initial cascade of events.
Chemicals, hormones and white blood cells leak into the joint and its
tissues causing inflammation. If the cause of the joint irritation is
not resolved then this inflammation will persist and develop into
chronic inflammation which involves permanent changes to the soft
tissues, and development of hardening and calcification of their
structures. Once the calcification process has begun, the new bony
material can cause further irritation and so the disease process
continues.
What Problems Are Likely To Be Seen?
When a joint becomes arthritic the main result of the inflammation for
the pet is pain. The pain is often less obvious than might be
imagined. It is common that dogs may just be less enthusiastic about
exercise, or reluctant to jump or climb stairs. Often stiffness
develops after periods of rest. Cold, damp weather can worsen the
signs and indeed many arthritic pets first show signs of arthritis
during the winter time.
Prevention
Genetic and traumatic causes of arthritis can be very difficult to
prevent, but screening for hip dysplasia before breeding, for example,
has had a big impact on the frequency and severity of problems.
Exercise plays a major role in controlling obesity and regular light
exercise is important in preventing arthritis. However, it should also
be noted that excessive strenuous exercise , particularly in young dogs
can contribute to excessive joint wear and developmental problems.
Diet plays a major role also. Most important is never allowing pets to
become overweight. Obesity means more load for the joint to carry, and
reluctance of your pet to exercise effectively. Many excellent pet
foods are now available, like the Royal Canin/Waltham Obesity Diet, or
other manufacturers such as Hills, Purina / Proplan and Iams.
Diet Supplements
There has been a growing use of the ‘Neutroceuticals’ - green lip
muscle extracts. These are available as supplements or incorporated
into a complete diet such as Royal Canin/Waltham Mobility Support Diet
and appear to have good effects in preventing and reducing severity of
arthritis.
In recent years limited trials have shown real benefits from the use
of Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and Chondroitin sulphate which are known
constituents of healthy joint cartilage. These are available in
Seraquin and similar products. Other ingredients are often added, such
as turmeric extract and other curry spices. This is thought to explain
the lower incidence of Arthritic disease in India.
Managing An Existing Problem
Exercise and diet remain of crucial importance, but usually
medical intervention provides a significant increase in activity and
quality of life.
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs have for many years been the
mainstay of treatment, and whilst dogs and cats do not tolerate many
human preparations well (paracetemol, aspirin, and ibuprofen), several
very safe and very effective preparations are now available through
your vet. These are tablets such as Rimadyl, and liquids such as
Metacam, which can be used long term with only rare occurrence of the
potential side effects - most notably irritation to the bowel.
Chondro-Protective Agents are aimed at maintaining a healthy joint by
providing chemicals essential to the maintenance of joint cartilage and
have become more widespread in their use. The effectiveness of these
drugs is less predictable, but there are no known side effects and the
Neutroceuticals like Glucosamine are classed as food supplements rather
than medicines.
Corticosteroids are only rarely used in cases such as severe acute
disease, unresponsive chronic disease and immune mediated disease like
rheumatoid arthritis. They can be very effective but in prolonged or
repeated use have significant side effects, including immune
suppression and serious hormonal conditions.
Surgery is available for many conditions including hip and elbow
replacements, fusion of joints, and adjusting the angle of joints by
cutting and re-setting the bones.
Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and Massage are now widely available, and
qualified practitioners of each can and should be sought.
Alternative Therapies such as acupuncture, which is available through a
limited number of veterinary practitioners, and homeopathy, which is
more widely practiced, are also possible and can have positive
effects.
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