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Joint pain - dogs have osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in dogs is an incurable, progressive disease of the joint, a so-called degenerative joint change that has a chronic course. Over time, joint wear and tear leads to impairment of the joint cartilage. The damaged cartilage is further destroyed. Bony growths form, which get into the joint space due to the constant abrasion and lead to inflammation and joint pain in the dog due to the friction. In the acute phase, swelling of the joint is also visible. The production of synovial fluid also plays a role in the process, which is impaired in the destruction process, resulting in a reduced lubricating effect. This means additional friction in the joint. The disease leads to severe pain and limited mobility.
Two types of osteoarthritis are known in dogs. The first is primary osteoarthritis, which occurs without any previous joint disease. Then there is the secondary form of osteoarthritis: in this case, osteoarthritis occurs as a secondary disease in an already damaged or diseased joint, e.g. in the case of hip dysplasia (HD) or elbow dysplasia (ED).
Arthritis is often mentioned in connection with osteoarthritis. Arthritis is an acute inflammatory process with redness, swelling, warmth and joint effusion.
The cold weather thing
Cold, damp, wind and rain - really uncomfortable weather exacerbates joint pain. Dogs with osteoarthritis, as well as humans, are affected by cold, damp weather. Human physicians suspect that the cause in humans is a slowed metabolism due to the cold. Blood circulation is reduced, the muscles become tense and this leads to dull pain. In the cold, the body switches to emergency care: The vital organs and the brain are primarily supplied with blood - only then the arms and legs with the joints and muscles.
The cold reduces the viscosity of the synovial fluid, i.e. the joints lose their suppleness as the synovial fluid loses its elasticity and the friction pain increases. High humidity further aggravates the pain. Dry cold is much better for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.
Warmth and exercise can help with osteoarthritis pain. Grain or cherry stone cushions can help with local heat treatment. Indoors, the dog should be given a soft place to lie down in a warm place.
When walking in winter, we recommend a dog coat to protect your four-legged friend from the cold and wet. And very important: exercise is good for you! If the joints are not moved, less synovial fluid (synovia) is produced, which worsens joint pain in dogs.
Why is synovial fluid (synovia) so important?
The joints are the movable connection between the individual bones. So that the bones lying against each other can glide smoothly, their ends are covered with cartilage. The joint lubricant, also known as synovia or synovial fluid, is located between the respective cartilage surfaces. It is a very viscous mass that also has the important function of supplying the joint with nutrients and removing degradation products. You can compare it to a door hinge that needs to be oiled regularly so that it doesn't squeak.
Joint misalignments, overloading, accidents, obesity and metabolic disorders impair or influence the smooth running of the joint, and the composition of the synovial fluid can also be altered. The quality of the synovial fluid decreases and it can no longer be produced quickly enough. As a result, the cartilage surface becomes rough, minimal pieces of cartilage splinter off and inflammation is the result. This leads to arthritis and ultimately to arthrosis. Dogs, humans and other animals can all suffer from this condition.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis - helping dogs with joint problems
Various therapies are available for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. In most cases, existing joint damage cannot be reversed, so the aim of any treatment is to prevent the disease from progressing and to alleviate the symptoms.
Overweight - For every dog with osteoarthritis, every extra kilogram is an additional burden. Weight reduction is necessary to prevent unnecessary strain on the joints.
Exercise - With any form of osteoarthritis, a healthy amount of exercise is important in order to prevent muscle wastage - and therefore joint pain. Dogs with this condition should avoid over-exertion in the form of ball games, agility or similar exercise involving sudden changes of direction and jumping.
During long walks, a break every now and then is good for your four-legged friend. To promote mobility, strengthen the joints and build up the muscles, you should also consider physiotherapy for your dog. Exercise therapy in the form of underwater treadmills and swimming under supervision can prevent the symptoms of osteoarthritis from worsening.
Alternative healing methods - Acupuncture, homeopathy or the use of leeches can also be considered by an experienced veterinary practitioner for joint pain. This provides dogs with valuable support.
Feeding - grain-free (grain is suspected of promoting inflammation) and less starch (e.g. potatoes) Dogs with osteoarthritis should be fed a grain-free and starch-reduced diet. This is because cereals are suspected of promoting inflammation and allergies.
Dietary supplements for dogs - Arthrosis symptoms can be naturally supported by full-fat green-lipped mussel powder or green-lipped mussel capsules. The glycosaminoglycans they contain have long been known for their positive effect on joint cartilage. In combination with our rose hip powder for dogs - rose hips have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints - pain can be alleviated and mobility improved.
Collagen for dogs is also often used for dogs with osteoarthritis due to its important glucosamine and chondroitin. This additional supplement can be safely combined with green-lipped mussel powder for dogs.
MSM (methylsulfonemylmethane) has also proven itself as a dietary supplement for dogs with osteoarthritis. Especially in acute phases, it quickly helps with pain, deacidifies and detoxifies.
Other important herbs for joint diseases are willow bark, devil's claw, meadowsweet, nettle and ginger to relieve pain and inflammation.
Oils with a high proportion of omega 3 fatty acids support the anti-inflammatory process. Linseed oil and hemp oil are recommended here. The group of important omega-3 fatty acids also includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are mainly found in fish oils such as salmon oil. Oils with their gammalinolenic acid, such as borage or evening primrose oil, also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
We will be happy to provide you with individual advice and a combination of products tailored to your four-legged friend.
We wish your dog a pain-free and happy time!
