Degenerative Joint Disease

Dear Dr. Jody:  Our eight year old black lab, “Cobalt”, has recently started having trouble climbing stairs and standing up after a nap.  We tried giving her baby aspirin, and it seemed to help a bit, but we are concerned she may still be uncomfortable.  Is there anything else we can do, or should we just accept that she is getting old? 

Stiff, sore joints are a common side effect of aging in both cats and dogs.  Large breed senior dogs seem particularly prone to this affliction.  While we haven’t yet figured out how to reverse the aging process, there are several advancements in veterinary medicine that can significantly reduce your pet’s symptoms and improve her quality of life. 

It is crucial that pet owners realize that a pet may be in significant pain even if she is not whimpering.  If your senior dog has slowed down on walks, has trouble climbing stairs, or is slow to rise after a nap, these may be indicators that your pet has joint pain. 

Senior dogs can be prone to arthritis in several joints, including elbows, knees, and hips.  Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint, and often develops secondary to normal wear and tear over several years of activity.  Arthritis is much more common in overweight dogs, because we are asking their joints to endure more impact than they were designed to bear.  Even two or three extra pounds on a seventy-pound dog over the course of a lifetime can have a dramatic impact on joint health. 

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam.  He or she will determine if there is any swelling or decreased range of motion in any of Cobalt’s joints, and decide if she is overweight.  Your vet may also recommend x-rays to assist in determining the nature of the joint disease, and therefore more accurately tailor a treatment plan.

Once the cause of the discomfort is determined, several different treatment options are available.  Many owners find that a prescription joint diet is sufficient to relieve their dog’s pain.  Such diets contain an ingredient that turns off the gene that produces chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain.  A flavoured, chewable daily supplement containing glucosamine hydrochloride, MSM, and chondroitin can often be helpful.  For more stubborn cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that is safe for dogs.  This product can either be used daily, or on an as-needed basis, depending on the nature of your pet’s joint disease.  Acupuncture can be helpful for some patients. 

The important message here is that your pet may be experiencing chronic pain even if she is not saying “ouch”.  If she has displayed any changes in her mobility, do not hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.  We may not be able to slow down your pet’s aging, but we can certainly ensure that her golden years are comfortable ones.