World Arthritis Day 2023: Know About Arthritis In Pets And Ways To Manage It

While it's frequently associated with the natural ageing process, arthritis can also be triggered by genetic predispositions, injuries, and excessive exercise, making it a common concern for our pets.

All about arthritis in pets

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Arthritis, often perceived as primarily a human ailment, affects our cherished furry companions as well. This insidious joint condition can significantly impact the lives of our dogs and cats, subjecting them to pain and discomfort. While it's frequently associated with the natural ageing process, arthritis can also be triggered by genetic predispositions, injuries, and excessive exercise, making it a common concern for our four-legged friends. Obesity, too, exacerbates the problem, as it places added strain on their joints. 

In this regard, Dr. Jadhav Aditya Sudhir, who is a Veterinary Product Executive at Drools said, "Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, is more prevalent in pets than rheumatoid arthritis, with pain being the most evident symptom. Osteoarthritis, often referred to as degenerative joint disease, is a gradually progressing inflammatory condition characterised by cartilage degeneration, bone hypertrophy, and changes in the synovial membrane. This deterioration leads to stiffness and pain in the joints. Arthritis leads to reduced flexibility and pain due to inflammation and inadequate joint lubrication. Inflammatory cells release cytokines, worsening cartilage breakdown, causing cartilage degradation, bone thickening, and synovial membrane inflammation, creating a destructive cycle."

How Arthritis Affects Pets:

Jaisleen Kaur, who is a Pet Parent, and Image Consultant and life Coach, at Dehradun, listed down ways in which arthritis affects pets saying that it causes chronic pain, reduced mobility, altered behaviour, and potential mental health issues. 

• Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Arthritis leads to persistent pain and discomfort for pets. The inflammation in the joints causes aching and soreness, making every movement painful. Pets may experience pain even during simple activities like walking, standing up, or lying down. This chronic pain can affect their overall mood and behaviour.
• Reduced Mobility: Arthritic pets often experience reduced mobility. They find it difficult to climb stairs, jump onto furniture, or even walk for extended periods. Reduced mobility limits their independence and can lead to frustration, especially for pets that were once active and playful.
• Altered Behaviour & Mental Health: The constant pain and limited mobility can cause changes in a pet's behaviour. They become more withdrawn, avoiding social interactions and playtime. Arthritic pets might also show irritability, as the pain can make them less tolerant of touch or handling. They may experience anxiety and depression, affecting their overall quality of life.
• Weight Gain and Muscle Loss: Due to decreased physical activity, arthritic pets are prone to weight gain. Obesity exacerbates arthritis by putting additional stress on joints, leading to a vicious cycle of increased pain and reduced mobility. Additionally, lack of movement can cause muscle wasting, further weakening the affected limbs.
• Difficulty in Grooming: Arthritis can make grooming challenging for pets, particularly cats. Cats, known for their grooming habits, find it painful to reach certain areas of their body. This can lead to unkempt fur, skin issues, and overall hygiene problems.
• Impact on Daily Activities: Bending down to eat or accessing the litter box may cause discomfort, potentially leading to decreased food intake and litter box avoidance.
• Increased Vulnerability: Arthritic pets are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries due to their limited mobility. They may struggle to escape from other animals, making them prone to conflicts and stress-related issues. Additionally, arthritic pets might find it challenging to respond to emergency situations, making them more susceptible to dangers in their environment.

How To Manage Arthritis In Dogs:

Dr. Jadhav Aditya Sudhir said, "There are numerous ways we can help our furry friends manage their arthritis. Initiating a veterinarian's consultation is pivotal for accurate diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment plans. Lifestyle adjustments, including weight management, gentle exercise routines, and providing orthopaedic bedding, can significantly alleviate their discomfort. Additionally, medications and supplements, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and joint-support supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, offer relief by addressing inflammation and supporting cartilage repair, ultimately enhancing mobility and improving your pet's quality of life in arthritis management."

Role Of Nutrition In The Clinical Management Of Osteoarthritis In Dogs

Dr Deep Vasudeo, who is the Head Veterinarian at MaxPetZ, Mahalaxmi Mumbai, and Partner & Regional CMO, MaxPetZ said, "Canine osteoarthritis is a complex, slowly progressive, and degenerative disorder of synovial joints that results in joint pain, restricted mobility, and reduced quality of life. The management of osteoarthritis through nutrient manipulation helps reduce inflammatory mediators, complementing the action of analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications."

The role of nutrition in managing canine osteoarthritis can be divided into five primary components said Dr Deep. They are:

• Weight management- reduces physical stress on joints (managed with food restrictions and exercise in the form of hydrotherapy, etc)
• Fatty acid metabolism- helps manage inflammation (eg. linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid)
• Glucosamine supplementation- supports joint cartilage health (natural sources include Chicken Feet, Green Lipped Mussels, pigtails or Oxtails, Bone Broth, and Beef Trachea)
• Antioxidant supplementation- helps minimize damage from oxygen-containing free radicals (eg. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals copper, zinc and selenium.)
• Chondroitin Sulphate supplementation- helps protect and preserve cartilage (natural sources include shark and bovine cartilage)

"The goal is to help your dog burn fat and preserve or build muscle. Watch the types and quantities of treats fed to arthritic dogs- safe ones include carrots, cut-up seedless fruits, lean protein like turkey meat, etc," he added.

Preventing Arthritis In Pets:

Jaisleen Kaur laid down the following ways to prevent arthritis in pets:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Provide a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Consult your vet for pet-specific dietary recommendations. Avoid overfeeding and maintain your pet's ideal weight to reduce stress on joints.
• Regular Exercise: Engage your pet in regular, age-appropriate physical activities to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength and monitor your pet during playtime to prevent excessive strain or injuries.
• Regular Veterinary Care: Certain breeds are predisposed to joint problems, consider orthopaedic evaluations to identify potential issues early.
• Joint Health Supplements: Discuss with your veterinarian about joint health supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, which can promote joint health in pets, especially for susceptible breeds or ageing animals.
• Regular Dental Care: Maintain good oral hygiene, as dental infections can lead to systemic inflammation that might impact joints.
• Mind Mental Health: Minimize stress and anxiety in your pet’s life. Stress can weaken the immune system, making pets more susceptible to various health issues.
• Avoid Excessive Impact: Discourage excessive jumping as it can strain their joints over time.
• Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engage your pet in interactive play, puzzles, and mental exercises to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.