Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by excessive cartilage wear, calcified growths along the edges of the joints, and sometimes calcified pieces of cartilage floating freely within the joint. In dogs, there is almost always inflammation in the joint, which is why the condition would be more accurately termed osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a painful condition. The pain is caused by abnormal pressure on the bone underlying the affected cartilage—similar to the inflammatory response—and by abnormal tensile forces on the joint capsule and ligaments surrounding the joint. The cartilage itself is insensitive (it contains no nerve fibers). In dogs, osteoarthritis is most commonly seen in the hips (HD!), elbows (ED), knees (in cases of cruciate ligament and meniscus problems), and hocks.

That is why it is a good idea to review the following points:

• Osteoarthritis doesn't just affect older animals. Even (very) young dogs can develop osteoarthritis!
• Movement isn’t bad for your joints! The cartilage in a joint must be nourished by synovial fluid, since it contains no blood vessels. This nourishment only works properly when the joint is under load: only then are nutrients “massaged” into the cartilage! However, movement must be controlled and performed regularly.
• Cycling isn't bad for a (young) dog. In fact, steady, straight-line movement at a trot (so don't cycle too fast and drag the dog along, and don't let the dog gallop!) is a good way to get dogs in better shape.
• Osteoarthritis is not untreatable! Many dogs, even those who develop osteoarthritis at a young age, can live to a ripe old age with this condition. However, the success of treatment depends to a large extent on the owner’s motivation!
• Osteoarthritis cannot be cured! Once joints are affected, they will never return to normal. However, the progression of the disease can be slowed or stopped.

The treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on three areas:

1. Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are indispensable in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Many owners are reluctant to use pain relievers (often for unclear reasons). Nowadays, there are a number of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications that can be safely administered to a dog over an extended period of time. In addition, there is now a medication (Librela®) that contains antibodies against what is known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that plays a role in osteoarthritis pain. If “regular” pain relievers aren’t working well, Librela® often offers a solution! In some cases, pain relievers can be discontinued over time, although it’s common to have to reach for them again—for example, during cold and wet weather, or after a (too) enthusiastic play session with the neighbor’s dog. The use of pain relievers must be combined with controlled exercise—in other words, walking the dog “on a leash.” Otherwise, there is a risk that the dog will overexert itself. Your veterinarian can advise you on the proper use of pain relievers. Note: Aspirin and acetaminophen are less suitable for dogs!

2. Preventing the Condition from Worsening
Of course, we want to prevent the condition from getting worse. There are several ways to do this.
a. Surgery. This is especially important if there are loose pieces of cartilage in a joint, which can cause a great deal of damage. In addition, instability must be corrected (e.g., in cases of cruciate ligament tears in the knee).
b. Excess weight must be addressed. Excess weight is disastrous for the hips, back, and knees! Your veterinarian can advise you on how to help your dog lose weight safely.
c. Responsible exercise: regular, but not too long. It’s better to exercise 10 minutes 10 times a day than 1 hour twice a day. Straight-line movement while trotting alongside a bicycle is better than throwing balls. Passive movement of the affected joint, performed by the owner many times a day, often aids in recovery and prevention! Physical therapy can also be a great solution.
d. High-quality nutrition, especially for young dogs that are still growing! Some types of puppy kibble contain far too many vitamins and minerals, which can actually be counterproductive.

3. Promoting the Regeneration of Joint Cartilage
There are numerous dietary supplements on the market that claim to promote cartilage regeneration. Some of these products are known to (probably) actually do so, but much more research is needed.