The silent signs of joint disease in dogs
“He seems stiff in the mornings” “She suddenly seems like an old dog” “He is reluctant to jump into the car” “She’s a bit grumpy nowadays”
I often hear owners make these comments in my Canine Bowen Therapy clinic & they are usually the reason people decide to try bodywork therapies for their dogs in the first place. Sadly these observations are all potential signs that the dog is in pain & potential signs of joint disease.
Dogs are very good at developing coping mechanisms making it hard for the owner to notice the signs of chronic pain caused by joint disease until it is well established. Owners may suspect that something just isn’t quite right. Often they will resort to trying a combination of different supplements recommended by friends or family which have little, if any, effect before seeking medical attention from their vet.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteo-arthritis is a degenerative & inflammatory disease of the joints which can affect one or more of the dog’s joints at any one time. Originally thought of as a disease that affects only older dogs, it is now evident that it can also affect young dogs. It is estimated that in the UK 80% of dogs over 8yrs & 20% of dogs over 1yr are suffering with osteoarthritis & it is one of the leading causes of elective euthanasia (caninearthritis.co.uk).
Clinically osteoarthritis is classed as;
- a progressive deterioration of the joint cartilage
- loss of collagen in the connective tissues surrounding the joint
- a thinning of the protective/lubricant synovial fluid within the joint capsule
- inflammation within the synovial membrane
It is the mixture of chemicals & neurotransmitters produced by the inflammatory response that causes the dog to experience pain, usually chronic in nature.
What are the signs of chronic pain in dogs?
Signs of chronic pain in dogs include, but aren’t limited to;
- increased stiffness after exercise or when getting up after resting
- postural changes (eg roach back -spine curved upwards)
- restricted range of movement (eg looking stiffer than usual)
- loss of muscle tone (eg thigh muscles looking flatter & less toned)
- changes in coat appearance (eg dull coat, thick mane of fur around neck)
- changes in head or tail carriage (eg tail to one side, head lowered)
- mood changes (eg becoming more withdrawn, appearing depressed)
- behavioural changes (eg increase in noise sensitivity, increased reactivity)
Osteoarthritis & other joint diseases in dogs often go undiagnosed until the disease is well established as it’s easy to miss the signs if we don’t know what we are looking for.
What causes arthtitis in dogs?
Causes of osteoarthritis are many & often a combination of factors likely contribute to the probability & rate at which a dog will develop the disease. Here are some of the most common factors;
- over-exercise, especially during puppyhood
- high velocity & high impact activities (eg ball chasing)
- obesity
- early neutering
- poor dietary choices
- previous musculoskeletal injury
- genetics – breed specific or hereditary pre-disposition
How do I treat my dog’s arthritis?
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis must come from a qualified veterinary surgeon who will use verbal information from the owner, visual assessment & physical examination of joint range of movement & muscle quality to make a diagnosis. However the best diagnosis is with X-ray to assess the extent of the deterioration & confirm any extra bone growth in severe cases.
Joint disease is traditionally treated with painkillers &/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) to control the pain & inflammation. Nowadays there have been advancements in the use of stem cell therapy or drugs formulated to regenerate cartilage.
How can soft tissue therapies help dogs with arthritis?
Although the disease is incurable its progression can be slowed down & the dog’s quality of life improved by a multi modal approach which starts with primary veterinary care.
Once the correct medication has been found for your dog, soft tissue bodywork therapies can help to keep the tissues supple & health. Bowen Therapy for dogs can address postural misalignments or compensatory patterns of movement that affect the whole body & aids regulation of the nervous system – dogs often become anxious when they are in pain.
Other ways of keeping your dog healthy & happy when they have joint disease include:
- hydrotherapy
- improved diet
- weight loss
- exercise & lifestyle adjustments
- suitable supplements
- botanical self-selection for whole body & emotional health support
I have a passion for helping you make the right lifestyle changes to improve your dog’ quality of life .