Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs and cats. The symptoms of DJD are lameness, stiffness upon rising or lying down and reduced activity. DJD results from long term strain on the joint from injury, poor confirmation, overuse, and obesity. Chronic pain in the joint causes a downward spiral because the pet is less active which leads to gaining weight and losing muscle mass causing further strain on the already diseased joint thus accelerating its deterioration.
Surgery may help in certain situations, but in most cases the degeneration of the joint cannot be reversed, so treatment concentrates on reducing discomfort and slowing the progression of the disease. This requires a multimodal approach of anti-inflammatory medicine, nutritional supplements, weight loss and therapy.
The most important thing a pet owner can do to prevent or reduce the effects of degenerative joint disease is to keep a pet lean. It has been found that even pets with poor conformation in their joints have significantly less degeneration in their joints if they are not allowed to become overweight.
Neutraceuticals are nutritional supplements with medicinal properties. These supplements include glucosamine chondroitin, fatty acids from fish oil, MSM and antioxidants. These products are slow acting taking weeks to months to improve function and prevent degeneration of the joint cartilage. The main function is to provide building blocks for joint cartilage, increase lubrication, and reduce free radicals which are a major factor in the breakdown of healthy tissues. They are best used in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS).
NSAIDS suppress enzymes important in inflammation thus reducing pain and damage to joints. They are very fast acting improving comfort within hours of the first dose. NSAIDS available for dogs include medicines like Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcoxx, Etogesic, Metacam, and Zubrin. They can be used occasionally as needed for pain after exercise or on bad days, or for dogs with more severe arthritis can be used daily long term. It is necessary to perform blood testing to assess liver and kidney function prior to and every 6 months during long term use of these medicines. I am asked often if human medicines can be used for pain in their pets. Dogs and especially cats are deficient in the enzymes necessary to metabolize most human NSAID medications. For this reason, it is much better to use those products made specifically for pets as they are safer and more effective. For example, one regular strength Tylenol can be fatal to a cat. Metacam is the only NSAID appropriate for long term use in cats and only with dosing modification.
Corticosteroids like prednisone or dexamethasone are excellent anti-inflammatories, but are rarely used for arthritis due to significant long term side effects. The exception is that cats do tolerate cortisones very well, and occasionally I will use them for arthritis in cats especially if they have kidney issues as they age.
Exercise is extremely helpful in helping to keep an arthritic joint more limber, better muscled and keeping the pet in better overall health. Multiple short walks are superior to one long walk daily as the longer a pet is inactive, the stiffer they become. Also by overdoing exercise by walking too far makes the joints more sore and then the pet is reluctant to walk the next time. Rehabilative therapy has recently been introduced to veterinary medicine. This includes working with a certified veterinary rehabilitation therapist and includes flexion and extension exercise, massage, and reduced weight bearing exercise like swimming or walking on a water treadmill.
A multimodal approach to treating degenerative joint disease is the best way to tackle this very common cause of pain in dogs and cats. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the best plan including medicines, diets, supplements, and exercise programs to assure the best chance of safety and effectiveness. Not that many years ago, when an older pet was slowing down, it was thought that it was an inevitable sign of aging. It is exciting and extremely rewarding to see our pets living longer, healthier, and more active lives than ever before.
Written by Pet Sitters Associates, LLC