The Senior Pet: Joints

Senior pets can start to slow down a little as they age. There can be many reasons for this change. One of the major causes could be joint disease. This is especially true for large breed dogs, although small breed dogs can have joint issues as well. If a patient is overweight this will increase their risk of having arthritic changes in the joints. When there is discomfort in any joints, this can lead to a decrease in activity which can actually lead to more soreness or stiffness and can become a vicious cycle.

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To identify if your pet may have some degenerative joint disease the first step is a physical exam. Many times veterinarians can appreciate small changes in the joints that could indicate discomfort. They can also assess if a pet has the full range of motion in a particular limb. However to appreciate the extent of the condition many times x-rays will need to be performed. Hips and knees are typically the primary culprits in joint disease; however elbows and intervertebral spaces can also be affected.

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Managing joint disease in older dogs can be difficult at times. One of the mainstays that many veterinarians use are joint supplements such as glucosamine/ chondroitin. These can sometimes help protect the joints from further damage. Many times they will not hurt anything but may help.  Another supplement that may be recommended is a fish oil capsule which can also help with overall joint (and skin!) health. A common group of medications used to help control discomfort associated with joint pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications. Prior to prescribing these for long term use it is very important to rule out any underlying conditions such as kidney or liver disease. Over the counter pain relievers made for humans should NEVER EVER be used in our pets. They can be very hazardous and are more likely to cause side effects. There are additional medications that can be added to NSAIDs to help keep our pets comfortable as needed. Remember in any extreme weather (heat or cold) it is possible that the joints will become more stiff and therefore cause more discomfort. It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian to change the regimen during these times.

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Some alternatives to medication include exercising in a controlled manner at home. (i.e. on a leash rather than running around like a maniac) This can also include passive range of motion exercises. These are done with the patient laying on their side and moving the legs to help keep them limber. Another exercise is swimming or if you have access to a facility with an underwater treadmill. It offers great exercise with minimal impact on the joints.

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Just because a pet is aging does not mean they will have joint disease, but it is a common finding in our aging pets. Keeping weight under control when they are younger and offering good exercise regimen may help keep them off pain medications for a long time, however we do have options available to help keep your pet comfortable.