Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that affects both the soft tissues and bones of a joint. It causes pain and decreased flexibility in the affected joints. There is often a genetic component to the disease and symptoms are often progressive with age. It can involve the deterioration of and changes to the cartilage and bone. 

The various factors that cause or contribute to the development of osteoarthritis include abnormal stress on a normal joint and normal stress on an abnormal joint. Situations where this occurs include strains, direct or indirect injury, response to infection or from faulty bone and cartilage development. 

Regardless of the cause, the end result is the same. A common sequence of events is triggered that result in the hallmark of osteoarthritis. Depending on the cause, the process may begin with either damage to, or degeneration of, the articular cartilage, or inflammation of the joint capsule lining. Either insult can trigger joint degeneration. Inflammatory products released into the joint fluid by an inflamed synovial membrane can damage the articular cartilage. Molecules and enzymes are released into the joint fluid from damaged cartilage and can cause inflammation of the synovial membrane. In either situation, the products of inflammation can create a destructive cycle of inflammation and cartilage degeneration within that joint. 

Many dogs with osteoarthritis show only subtle signs of the problem for several weeks or months before they become obviously lame. A common early sign is a reduction in the dog's activity level, or reluctance to do certain physical activities. Early on the discomfort and reduced mobility may come and go, or increase and decrease in severity. Don't disregard the early signs of osteoarthritis, have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Here is a list of some early warning signs to watch for that may indicate your pet is developing osteoarthritis:
 
Lying more than usual 
Reduced activity level, especially play 
Exercise intolerance (can't exercise as long) 
Bunny hopping with the hind limbs 
Slow or stiff movements first thing after rest or in cold weather. 
Stiffness or lameness that disappears with exercise 
Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping 
Difficulty getting up from a lying down position 
Yelping or whimpering during activity 
Swollen joints that are warm to the touch 
Licking or biting at the affected joint 
Pulling away, yelping, or snapping when the affected joint is manipulated 
Any change from normal behavior or temperament 
Decreased appetite 
Loss of muscle mass 
Seeking a warm, soft place or a cold, hard place to lie down 

Some of these warning signs can be associated with other diseases as well, so a veterinarian examination and diagnosis of osteoarthritis is important before a treatment plan can be developed. 

Treatment of osteoarthritis involves a multimodal approach. In most cases the progression can be slowed and the animal made more comfortable and more mobile with appropriate management. Treatment plans include weight control, exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, and oral joint supplements. 

Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoarthritis. Decreasing the animal�s body weight decreases the load on the arthritic joints and makes it easier for the animal to get around. Weight reduction includes dietary control and exercise. Your veterinarian can help develop a specific diet and exercise program tailored specifically for your pet. With exercise, it is important to include daily, low-impact exercise to improve strength, mobility, and attitude without too much rigorous exercise which can be more harmful to arthritic joints. Appropriate exercise routines can also help decrease the need for pain-relieving medications. 

When appropriate, your veterinarian will prescribe NSAID's (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) to help alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Regular veterinary examinations and routine blood workups are important for dogs being prescribed NSAID's. Oral joint supplements containing nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM, and ester C can help improve joint problems by supplying the joint tissue with nutrient components necessary for healthy joints. Nutraceuticals have proven to be a very safe and effective alternative to drug therapies. In addition, there are several herbal products with natural anti-inflammatory properties available for your consideration. Two good examples are devil's claw and yucca. Using these products alone or in combination may reduce or even eliminate the need for NSAID's while still providing relief from the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.

 Other treatment modalities that often come into play include physical therapy which is a growing field in veterinary medicine. We are beginning to see the beneficial effects of physical therapy following surgery or for management of orthopedic diseases in animals, just as we continue to see in humans. Acupuncture is another alternative medical treatment being offered with success in the veterinary field. Advancements continue to be made in the prevention, treatment, and management of osteoarthritis in pets. Discuss with your veterinarian which combination of treatments will work best in your pet's individual case.

Cori Stava, DVM KV Vet Supply

See the Osteoarthritis Glucosamine Resource Center at the link below: