In the News: Tails of Marin
By John Thompson
Pets can get arthritic, too, so be gentle
Even though many pets, as well as their guardians, eventually become arthritic, too little is known about specific causes. It is believed that genes play a part in making an animal susceptible to arthritis, but so does nutrition, overuse of corticosteroids, regular exposure to toxins, bacterial infections, stress, overly strenuous exercise and a variety of factors that adversely affect the immune system.
Cats can develop arthritis also, but dogs - especially purebreds - are much more likely to become victims. Large or overweight animals are also more susceptible because of increased stress on the joints. Hip dysplasia is probably the most well-known form of arthritis.
Simplistically, the disease is an inflammation of the joints, which are those places where two bones meet. The joints are like hinges. If you watch your hand making a fist, you'll see many joints in action. Each of those joints is composed of an elastic material called cartilage. The cartilage secretes a lubricant, the synovial liquid, to further dampen friction within the joint.
The common thread in any form of arthritis is pain or, in its milder form, stiffness. It is stealthy because arthritis can build in the body for years before you notice any symptoms.
Typical first indicators are some trouble lying down or standing, a new reluctance to jump up or down, stopping to think about using the stairs, difficulty climbing over the high walls of a litter box or any hesitancy about moving the joints.
When arthritis is active, it inhibits the joint's ability to prevent bones from abrading against each other. The resulting wear and tear is visible in X-rays long before an animal presents symptoms.
Bone damage from arthritis cannot be reversed, but it can often be either halted or retarded. These days, veterinarians have an arsenal of options to use to reduce pain. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx or Metacam. That protocol may be appropriate, but you should thoroughly understand the risks before proceeding. Other practitioners may prefer a more natural approach based on diet and supplementation.
Before old age sets in, guardians can begin adding joint-support supplements to the diet. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), synovi, glucosamine, antioxidants and others are used to help build cartilage and assist in lubrication. As with any supplementation, these should only be added with the oversight of a veterinarian who understands their use, as even benign-sounding ingredients can have an undesired effect.
Interestingly, chiropractic manipulations, acupuncture and acupressure are being used by an increasing number of veterinarians in treating arthritis. There are good reports of pain and symptom relief from these modalities.
See the difficulties of arthritis through your companion's eyes and devise ways to make life less painful. Dogs will push themselves too far just to be with you and please you, so think about how much exercise is truly appropriate. Initiate gentler games or change the rules to make old ones easier, give your pal a step up to sleep on your bed, provide plenty of warmth or lower a segment of sidewall in a litter tray. Many creative ways to help become obvious to people who carefully observe what their aging four-legged family members are experiencing.
John Thompson is a journalist and board member of the Marin Humane Society.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
