| |  |
Pet Article
DOGS AND JOINT DISEASE
Lameness in dogs is usually a sign of degenerative joint disease (DJD). Dogs usually show
evidence of pain from DJD by limping. Lameness in dogs can occur suddenly, or it can be a
slower more gradual increase, it can be intermittent or persistent.
Degenerative joint disease affects the articular cartilage, this is the cartilage in a
joint that has two very important jobs. The first job is to act as a shock
absorber, and the second is to provide a slippery surface for joint motion. If
injured, articular cartilage doesn't heal, not ever! Instead, an injury leads to
inflammation, swelling, and changes in the joint that make cartilage a poor shock
absorber and less able to produce joint lubricating fluid.
Dogs generally develop DJD after a primary problem in the joint occurs.
Essentially, the arthritic change is the body's defense mechanism against
unstable joints. Primary joint problems that can injure articular cartilage and lead to
DJD include hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis (OCD), cranial cruciate rupture in the knee
and traumatic injury.
Treatment of DJD depends on each dog and the severity of the lameness. A
veterinarian may need to take X rays of the joints, tap the joint
for fluid samples, or perform a computed tomography (CT) scan to diagnose DJD.
DJD is diagnosed by observing changes on radiographs and treatment is determined
by clinical signs. Many animals with radiographic signs of DJD are not lame, and may or
may not develop lameness as they age.
Therefore regardless of what the X-rays say, if a dog is able to do what a dog needs to do,
there is no need for treatment. On the other hand, your veterinarian may advise rest,
by restricting all activity until lameness improves, in combination with an anti inflammatory
drugs. After that, controlled, moderate, regular exercise will help ward off intermittent
lameness. Supplements that may protect cartilage, such as Cosequin, appear to be safe and
may also help.
Moderate, regular exercise is an important part of managing DJD. It builds the
muscle strength that will help support the joint. Moderate exercise means an
activity not severe enough to cause lameness, for example, leash walks or
swimming.
The other thing your dog may need to do is cut back on eating! The less weight your dog
carries, the less stress there is on the joints. Weight loss can help decrease pain and
increase function in animals with chronic DJD.
Medical management in many cases allows a dog to live a relatively pain free life.
But if a dog's lameness progresses to a point where moderate exercise, occasional
anti inflammatory drugs, and weight management are not helping as much, then
surgical procedures such as a total hip replacement, joint arthroplasty (removal
of a portion of the bone), or arthrodesis (fusion of the joint) can be considered
for your four legged friend.
For more information on DJD, contact your local veterinarian.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
| | |
