My active yellow Lab, Rex, is getting older. . . and stiffer. All the years of chasing a ball (running, jumping, stopping short, twisting and turning) are beginning to catch up with him. While many of us have heard about hip and hind-end problems in our big dogs, what about the front-end? And what is actually happening inside the body?
Let’s first differentiate between dysplasia and arthritis. Dysplasia is not arthritis, but arthritis will develop in dogs born with dysplasia.
Dysplasia is an inherited, or genetic, problem caused by an abnormally formed joint. Hip dysplasia occurs when the femoral head (the ‘ball’ at the top of the femur) doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket- many times due to the socket being flatter and less ‘cup-like’ than it should be. Elbow dysplasia results when the humerus (of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna (of the lower forelimb) develop uneven growth and/or the elbow joint connecting these bones develops cartilage abnormalities.
Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, which triggers an inflammatory response, causing swelling and pain. This inflammation leads to the formation of osteophytes, or abnormal bony outgrowths, sometimes called ‘bone spurs’. Arthritis can occur in almost any joint in the body.
The symptoms for these two issues are very similar—decreased activity (particularly when it comes to navigating stairs or jumping), difficulty getting up (after sleeping, for example), exercise intolerance and/or an unwillingness to play and a decreased range of motion.
How can we tell the difference? Radiographs. Breeders will typically provide hip X-rays (specifically positioned) in their large breed youngsters to ensure dysplasia was not passed on by the parents. Spinal radiographs will show a decrease in the space between vertebrae, if arthritis is the problem.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are predominantly a problem in (larger) dogs, but what animals can develop arthritis? Only most of us! Humans, horses, dogs, cats, goats… Your veterinarian may recommend an anti-inflammatory (which requires periodic bloodwork to monitor the effects of the drugs on the rest of the body), a supplement, like omega-3 fatty acids or acupuncture. We can provide helpful anecdotes- stairs or ramps to elevated locations (like Rex’s stairs into his truck), lower-rimmed litter boxes (to make it easier for Kitty to get in and out) and deep (or foam) bedding, for your show-jumper geriatric horse or your goat with CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis).
Don’t ignore your pets’ pain and stiffness- investigate and address it, like you would do for yourself.
