There are diseases inherent in dogs of certain breeds. And there are those that are common to everyone without exception. Joint diseases are the scourge of dogs of small, medium and large breeds. Our pets, accustomed to an active lifestyle, at one unpleasant moment can easily become disabled due to arthritis or a similar misfortune.
Sometimes everything is limited to minor pain. In other cases, surgery is not possible. To alleviate the suffering of animals or to restore the functionality of joints, chondroprotectors are used for dogs.
What is arthritis in dogs?
Arthritis is a joint disease that is chronic. The disease manifests itself in the form of acute inflammation. In this case, the tissue of the joints swells, turns red, and severe pain is felt in the affected area. The affected area constantly maintains an elevated temperature.
Once the disease appears, it will no longer be possible to get rid of it. It will only be possible to stop further development, reduce the manifestation of symptoms and restore the mobility of the paws. Complications threaten amputation, paralysis and death of the animal due to intoxication.
Is it possible to replace chondroprotectors?
Such a replacement is impractical when it comes to painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Chondroprotectors for dogs are famous for their unique composition, in which all components are balanced. What can replace such drugs? For prevention, we can recommend using products containing collagen and elastin in the animal’s diet. These are liver, sea fish, fish oil, egg yolks, cereals, etc. When the disease is diagnosed, such measures will clearly not be enough.
Today, synthetic chondroprotectors are being successfully replaced by natural ones, which experts consider more effective and safe. For example, shark cartilage contains collagen. It is known that the cartilage tissue of sharks has a high ability to regenerate. In other words, the rate of wound healing in these marine predators is much higher than in other animals. Preparations containing shark cartilage have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Substances that have a beneficial effect on animals with joint diseases (chondroitin and glucosamine) are contained in high-quality dry food. However, animal owners must understand that this is not enough for effective therapy. Treatment of joints, ligaments, tendons requires an integrated approach, taking medications containing a quantitative and qualitative balance of necessary substances - chondroprotectors.
Types of Arthritis in Dogs
Suppurative arthritis
It develops due to the entry of bacteria into the joint cavity from other inflamed areas. Often the causative agents are staphylococci and streptococci. Another way bacteria enter tissue is through open wounds or damaged areas around joints. The danger of this type of arthritis lies in the appearance of fistulas at a late stage of development.
Rheumatoid
The nature of development is similar to infectious. In this case, bacteria also enter the body, but when fighting pathogenic microbes, the body destroys healthy cells. As a result, a process occurs that leads to the destruction of not only cartilage, but also bones.
Osteoarthritis
The disease is preceded by abnormal development of the hip joint or dislocation of the joints. One of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Most often, large breed or elderly dogs are affected by the disease. Sometimes the cause of osteoarthritis is weak protective functions of the body.
Polyarthritis
It often goes unnoticed and does not show itself by any signs. It happens that a completely healthy dog has to be euthanized due to complete destruction of the joints of the hind legs. It is almost impossible to prevent the development of the disease, since polyarthritis appears in dogs along a genetic line.
Chlamydial
The cause of the disease is Chlamydia bacteria, which enter the joint and begin to destroy it. In dogs with strong immunity, the disease develops very slowly. If the body has been weakened, the bacteria begins to destroy cartilage at high speed.
Causes of pain
There are a huge number of causes of joint pain. As a rule, they can be associated with wear and tear of cartilage tissue, or with the progression of inflammatory diseases. The most common joint diseases in dogs are:
- Arthrosis is a severe and intractable chronic joint disease caused by wear and tear of intra-articular cartilage. Over time, in addition to cartilage, other components of the joint undergo changes. Quite often, arthrosis occurs due to the aging of cartilage tissue cells. The disease develops slowly, and obvious signs may not be noticed for a long time. The cause of this disease can be injuries of various types, excessive loads, heavy weight of the dog, and others.
- One of the causes of joint pain may be arthritis. This is an inflammatory disease of cartilage and joints. The course of this pathology can be acute or chronic. Not only older dogs are susceptible to arthritis; this pathology can also develop in the body of a young dog. There are several varieties of this disease depending on the cause of their development, the age of the dog and the degree of involvement of the elements that form the joint in the inflammatory process. The main factors contributing to the occurrence of arthritis are: injuries of various origins, physical overload of the joint, genetic predisposition, the consequences of complex infections, functional failure of the immune system and others.
- Common joint diseases include osteochondrosis, which manifests itself in ossification of cartilage with subsequent destruction of the joint. Osteochondrosis affects dogs regardless of age and breed, but large dogs or obese dogs are more susceptible to this disease. Nutrition and genetics play a significant role in the development of this pathology.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
The most important sign of a dog’s illness is a decrease in its physical activity.
Over time, other signs appear:
- the dog is not able to cover long distances, he lies or sleeps more and more;
- while walking, the animal tries not to step on one of its hind legs;
- if two joints are damaged at once, the dog rarely gets up, but if it does move, it does so very slowly and with extreme caution;
- when touching the source of inflammation, the dog may become aggressive or irritable;
- the animal walks awkwardly, limps, rarely bends its hind limbs;
- runs very slowly or does not do so at all, refuses to jump or even climb stairs;
- often the dog refuses to eat;
- the animal gains excess weight due to lack of sufficient physical activity;
- the dog does not feel well when the weather changes (this is especially true in rainy or windy weather);
- the pet is increasingly lying on only one “healthy” side;
- joints increase in size.
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If even one of the described symptoms appears, contact a specialist for timely diagnosis of the disease and initiation of therapy.
Instructions for use
All chondroprotectors for dogs have their own instructions for use. We have already talked about how to take the medications described in the article. But there are still general recommendations for taking medications.
- Remember that chondroprotectors for dogs act rather slowly, so you should not expect a lightning-fast effect after a single dose. As a rule, it will only help if you complete the full course of treatment prescribed by a specialist. Otherwise, buying these drugs is a waste of money.
- If a dog is diagnosed with dysplasia, then get ready to undergo treatment for a very long time, and possibly constantly and without interruption. Unfortunately, even the most expensive chondroprotectors with glucosamine will not be able to completely correct the situation in this case.
- Sometimes the dog may be prescribed human medications. In this case, be sure to check the dosage with your veterinarian, as the instructions will indicate courses of treatment suitable only for humans. Remember that many medications for humans are not suitable for animals.
- As a rule, chondroprotectors for dogs in old age are prescribed for continuous use. If you give them to a large breed puppy as a preventive measure, the risk of joint problems and improper paw placement is reduced.
Diagnosis of arthritis in dogs
To make a diagnosis, complex work is required, including several types of examination.
Let us list the different types of diagnostics and their features.
- Examination by a veterinarian. The doctor asks about complaints regarding the dog’s condition, then examines the affected paw and assesses the size of the joint, the degree of swelling and temperature. The specialist will also assess muscle tone and tendon condition.
- X-ray. It is the main method of diagnosis. The picture is taken of all limbs, even if they are considered healthy. The image makes it possible to assess the degree of change in the articular tissue, changes in its size and thickness.
- CT scan. Most often it is prescribed if other pathological processes are observed in bone tissue or cartilage. It is mandatory for hip dysplasia to prescribe the correct therapy.
- Laboratory research. Prescribed in case of suspected bacterial infection of the joint. For analysis, synovial fluid is taken from the joints.
- Histology and cytology. It is carried out in extremely rare cases, if there is a suspicion of the development of neoplastic cells (meaning atypical cells, including cancer cells, which displace healthy ones).
Treatments for Arthritis in Dogs
As soon as the dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the owner must begin competent therapy to prevent the disease from developing into an acute form. In mild cases of the disease, you can begin treatment by taking herbal infusions (for example, nettle), as well as applying oil-based compresses.
Balanced diet
This is the next step towards relieving the dog's condition. You need to exclude tomatoes, eggplants, onions, potatoes and grains from your pet’s daily menu. Seeds, ginger, egg yolks (quail eggs are best), as well as exotic fruits, support health well. Be careful with fruits - they can cause an allergic reaction. When choosing products, watch the dog’s reaction, the main thing is that the animal does not gain weight, which will provoke a load on the cartilage tissue.
It is better to exclude all cereals, since they are high in carbohydrates. Choose products that do not contain sugar, salt, dyes, and especially chemical impurities. Experts advise against rewarding dogs with treats, as they overload the dog’s body.
Give your dog plenty of raw dairy products, including low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt. Feed your dog meat in minimal quantities, especially red meat. Most of the diet consists of fruits and vegetables, which give the dog energy, but at the same time do not require much effort to digest and are easy to digest. You can periodically feed your pet raw bones. If the dog's condition improves, you can give some fresh sweet pepper. But at the same time, carefully monitor the animal’s reaction.
Garlic supports the immune system well (give it in the amount of half a clove per 20 kg of live weight). Citrus fruits are prohibited, especially oranges. Give a small amount of lemon juice.
The healthiest vegetables: carrots, celery, broccoli. The recommended greens are parsley and cilantro. Apple cider vinegar has a good effect on the body (0.5 teaspoon per day).
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has a great effect on the dog’s health. Massage is most often used. This procedure helps improve blood circulation, increase blood flow and remove accumulated toxic substances. Massage relaxes muscles well and relieves their tone. Please note that with purulent arthritis, any heating, including ointments, is prohibited. Rubbing is also contraindicated, as it promotes the leakage of pus into nearby tissues.
Swimming is a great way to strengthen your muscles without putting stress on your joints. Small dogs can swim in the bathtub, while large breeds can be taken to a lake or pond.
All of the listed procedures are prescribed only by a veterinarian after an in-person examination of the animal.
Treatment with drugs
Drug therapy is almost the same for all dog breeds. The only difference is in the dosage. To combat the disease, several drugs are used simultaneously to achieve maximum effect and prevent recurrence.
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Stop Arthritis
This drug comes in a special form designed to treat arthritis in dogs. The medication belongs to the group of chondoprotectors and anti-inflammatory drugs. The active substance acts on cartilage and promotes its restoration, improved shock absorption and stimulation of metabolic processes. At the same time, swelling and pain decrease, and mobility increases.
Available in the form of a suspension, which can be given with food or separately, instilled directly into the mouth from a syringe or pipette. Frequency of administration: twice a day. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the veterinarian based on the examination results. Usually the course lasts up to 100 days.
If the pet’s condition has noticeably improved in the first month, the doctor may reduce the dosage by half.
This drug is often used for prophylactic purposes after surgery. Usually a monthly dose of medication is prescribed. The dosage is prescribed individually.
Approximate cost: 350 rubles.
Artroglycan
Refers to the latest generation of chondroprotectors. Helps cope with joint problems in cats and dogs. The drug is aimed at restoring joint and bone tissue, normalizing metabolic processes in cells. Saturates cells with minerals, prevents further development of the disease and deterioration of health.
Available in tablet form. The duration of treatment starts from one month. If arthritis occurs in a complicated form, a six-month course of the drug may be prescribed.
The dosage is calculated taking into account the weight of the animal. One tablet is for 10 kg of dog weight. If the dog weighs more than 40 kg, you should immediately give 4 tablets, regardless of the pet’s condition.
Take the medicine in the morning and evening.
Price - 500 rub.
Horsepower
Initially, the drug was intended to treat horses, but over time it began to be used to improve the condition of dogs. The gel warms up the joints, which reduces pain and increases the motor activity of the joints.
There are practically no contraindications, side effects occur in extremely rare cases. All this is possible thanks to the natural ingredients in the drug. The main components are plant esters, phenoxyethanol, and glycerin.
In addition to warming, the drug has an antibacterial and calming effect. Apply the gel 1-2 times a day. Directions for use: massage into the affected area.
The duration of therapy depends on the course of the disease. Most often it is one month.
Cost - 900 rubles.
Ketofen
This is an anesthetic that is used to quickly eliminate pain and relieve inflammation. It belongs to the group of strong drugs and can be prescribed only if there are no problems with the excretory system (in particular the kidneys).
Contraindications for use are also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tablets are given in an amount of no more than 10 mg per day, the duration of administration is no longer than four days. For special indications, the dosage is reduced to 5 mg.
In case of a sharp exacerbation of the disease, Ketofen is prescribed in the form of injections. In this case, the dosage is calculated based on the weight of the dogs - 2 mg per kg of weight. Injections should not be used for longer than three days. You can give one injection per day. If severe pain has passed, it is better to switch your pet to weaker drugs.
The price starts from 400 rubles.
Rimadyl
The drug fights inflammation and pain. Available in the form of tablets and injection solutions. Veterinarians recommend giving preference to tablets. A liquid solution is used to quickly relieve pain, after which the dog is transferred to tablet therapy.
The recommended dosage is 3-4 mg of the main component per kg of weight. The product is taken morning and evening. When using the drug for more than a week, the dosage is halved. Injections can be given only once a day. The injection dosage is 1 ml of the drug per 12.5 kg of dog weight. The solution is administered intravenously. Intramuscular administration is contraindicated.
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Price - 1300 rub.
Hondatron
Release form: drops for oral administration and solution for injection. The form of administration is determined by the veterinarian after examination. In addition to treating arthritis, the drug has additional properties - eliminating weakness in the limbs in older animals.
Injections are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly twice a day - morning and evening. The dosage of the active ingredient is 0.1 ml/kg body weight. Duration of therapy is two weeks.
Drops are used to prevent the disease. The recommended dose is 0.3 ml/kg. Duration of treatment is from 10 to 14 days.
Cost - 1000 rubles.
Chondroitin Complex
Used to treat arthritis in large breed dogs. Available in capsules for internal administration. It has the following effects: stimulates collagen production, restoration of metabolism, including calcium and phosphorus. Additional effects: combating pain and inflammation.
The recommended method of administration is 1 capsule twice a day for 1-2 months, depending on the dog’s condition.
Price - 900 rub.
Chondrolone
Used to treat dogs weighing more than 30 kg. Also available in ampoules. The amount of active component in each ampoule is 100 mg. The drug is administered intramuscularly every two days. The recommended course of treatment is 25 injections.
The use of the drug leads to improved mobility, normalization of metabolism and improvement of bone tissue. The most pronounced signs of the disease disappear after the first two injections.
Price in pharmacies - 1500 rubles.
Rumalon
Helps restore joints, reduce inflammation and pain. No more than three injections can be given per week. In this case, the same period of time is maintained. The dosage of the drug is prescribed based on the weight of the animal and its condition.
The medicine may cause allergies. To avoid this, it is recommended to initially administer a small amount of the drug in order to monitor possible side effects.
If the recommended dose is exceeded, increased pain, dizziness and loss of orientation are noted.
Approximate price - 2500 rubles.
"Gelakan" and "Chondrokan"
These are Czech chondroprotectors for joints. They were released for dogs and “Chondrocan” earned many kind words from animal owners. They help cope with various diseases of the joints, ligaments, and tendons of our small four-legged pets.
The main active ingredient of "Gelacan" is a high-quality natural collagen hydrolysate. It is a product of enzymatic hydrolysis of tissues containing collagen (animal skin, bones). In addition, the drug contains proline and glycine, which promote the synthesis of type II collagen. As you know, it is the basis of cartilage tissue.
Before use, the medicine should be dissolved in water. It should be introduced into the diet gradually over ten days, starting with 1/10 of the daily dose. The drug is mixed with the animal’s usual food.
Traditional methods of treatment
Oil compress
To prepare it, add two drops of lavender and juniper oil to a glass of water. All this is mixed, then a cotton cloth is soaked in the solution and applied to the affected area. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to also add a heating pad. Keep the compress for 10 to 30 minutes. The procedure takes 2-3 weeks.
Nettle and chamomile decoction
This combination has several effects simultaneously: it relieves pain and inflammation, and also soothes irritated muscles and joints.
Take a tablespoon of dried nettle and chamomile per glass of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. After cooling, give the liquid to the dog 2-3 times a day, 1-2 tablespoons.
The decoction cannot be used if the dog is being treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prevention
To avoid the development of arthrosis in dogs, adhere to the following rules:
- Walk your dog regularly, but do not overload him.
- Prepare a soft and warm place for your pet to sleep.
- Stick to the recommended diet.
- If you are prone to arthritis, give your dog food containing chondroprotectors.
- Get regular preventative massage.
- Treat all diseases, especially infectious ones, in a timely manner.
- Visit your veterinarian regularly for checkups.
Arthritis is a disease that can attack your pet. To avoid this, constantly monitor your pet’s health, strengthen its immunity, and at the first suspicion, immediately contact a specialist.
