Veterinary Viewpoint: Dogs and aging
With all the excellent food choices, increased attention to prevention of illness and disease, pets are enjoying more active and healthy lifestyles than their predecessors.
Since dogs are living longer, they are also feeling the effects of aging prompting their owners to look for answers to keep their pets healthy.
We know that certain breeds and sizes are more susceptible to joint and bone issues as they age. Bone and joint issues encompass a wide range of causes and conditions.
Degeneration of the shoulders is a common cause of lameness in dogs and stems from the abnormal development of bone and cartilage most often appearing between the ages of 3-7 years old.
Symptoms of shoulder degeneration may include decreased muscle mass and chronic lameness that worsens with activity.
Dogs can also suffer from Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, (arthritis) which may appear as “growing pains” and affects mostly large and giant breeds. Growing pains (Panosteitis) most commonly affect large-breed dogs less than 2 years of age. It can be very painful and cause severe limping and can also move from one leg bone to another.
The cause of this disease is unknown which makes this condition challenging to treat. Supportive care using anti-inflammatories and painkillers is the standard treatment.
Dogs can also suffer from knee dysplasia, (patellar luxation) when the kneecap slips out of place in the joint. This slippage does not usually cause a sharp pain, but repeated dislocation becomes more painful and can lead to arthritis.
Symptoms include abnormal hind limb movement or a skipping gait noticeable with movement. Medical treatment is limited with surgery recommended for severe cases.
Osteochondrosis mostly affects the shoulder joint in dogs primarily in large and giant breeds. This condition results from lesions growing on the humeral head which cause the cartilage to thicken abnormally leading to bone degeneration.
This condition can be traced to a genetic relationship. Rapid growth and nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to this problem.
Symptoms usually develop between 4-8 months of age. Surgical intervention is the only treatment option.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is causes progressive deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. This condition can be traced to structural development, dislocation of the knee or shoulder, and abnormal development of the cartilage.
Symptoms may include stiffness, reduced activity with unwillingness to move and lameness. Treatment plans aim at alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Elbow dysplasia is common in large-breed puppies that grow too fast and is characterized by abnormal growth spurts or the anatomy of the elbow.
Symptoms may include an obvious limp or the inability of the dog to put weight on his leg. Treatment will involve anti-inflammatory drugs and possible surgery.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common disorders affecting dogs. Dysplasia occurs when the femoral head slips out of place in the hip socket. Once it happens, it’s likely to reoccur and can progress to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis. It is often genetically inherited but can be aggravated by obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
Dogs, who have suffered some form of trauma, such as a broken bone, will be more prone to developing arthritis as they age. Degenerative diseases can also cause dogs to slow down.
After identifying the problem, whether it be a joint or bone issue, under the supervision of your veterinarian, most dogs can exercise regularly which helps them physically and mentally.
It’s important to help dogs maintain good muscle mass and keep weight off their hip joints. Moderate but regular exercise is the key.
Senior dogs may not be able to walk as far or play as long. They will tire more easily and may have a difficult time getting up or finding a comfortable position for sleeping. Climbing stairs and getting in and out of cars will also be difficult for them. There are many physical aids such as ramps and specially made beds that can help.
Unfortunately, up to 80% of dogs who are diagnosed with some form of joint issue could end up having some form of arthritis.
As dogs age and slow down, weight issues are a concern. Extra poundage on already weakened bones and joints will aggravate an existing condition.
Controlling weight means feeding a controlled high-quality diet. Your veterinarian can prescribe medical treatments including feeding and exercise recommendations.
There are supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin that help stimulate the production of cartilage which helps maintain the health of joints.
— Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at 517-369-2161 or visit bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Veterinary Viewpoint: Dogs and aging
