Arthritis and the aging pup

Osteoarthritis and the aging pup

It is reported that arthritis affects 3 in 5 dogs. However, that does not mean your pup’s activities need to be limited. Oftentimes, as dogs age, the fallback answer to your dog’s decreased mobility is “they’re slowing down” or “they’re getting older”, “they are just aging”. While these answers may be true, at least in part, it does not have to stop their activities or become a life sentence.

 

Signs and Symptoms

There are many ways arthritis can present but commonly you will

notice your dog having more difficulty and increased stiffness

when getting up from the floor, an uncontrolled sit or lay down

from a standing position, stiffness through the back and legs,

decreased participation in walking, running, jumping or playing.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Many senior dogs are diagnosed with osteoarthritis based on subjective reports of pet parents, a physical examination by a veterinarian, and radiographs once symptoms have presented themselves. However, arthritis can start at a very young age and progressively worsen until there are physical signs. Arthritis is inflammation of the joint that causes degeneration of the

cartilage, leading to thickening of the surrounding tissues. This turns into a vicious cycle- as pain increases, activities decrease, leading to more stiffness and weakness, and likely weight gain which just exacerbates the pain and cycle.

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How is it treated?

There are numerous ways to treat arthritis, both naturally and with pharmaceutical treatments. Talk to your veterinarian to explore those options. Modalities, such as Cold Laser, Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), acupuncture/dry needling have all shown to be effective in pain management.

Research in humans repeatedly demonstrates the great benefits that physical therapy, especially strengthening, can have on arthritic pains and stiffness; it's the same in dogs. While pain medications and supplements may be used to assist with pain management, they do not provide the same long term benefits as regular physical activities. A certified canine rehabilitation therapist can help develop a program tailored to your dog and their difficulties, that will include manual

treatments, and a progressive exercise program that you will perform at home regularly.

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How will rehab help?

Yes! We have a variety of tools to help your pup. If your pup is still quite mobile and not seeming affected by it, consider our Aging Well Wellness Program. If they are having difficulty getting around, then the full canine rehab program will likely be most beneficial for them. This includes pain management and exercises. Your vet may have suggested an underwater treadmill, as that is what most vet schools teach and the internet has popularized. However, our bodyweight support treadmill training system works in the same manner, without the water. We couple this with massage, modalities, and exercises to help improve overall mobility and quality of life. 

During our evaluation, we determine what exercises should be done and walk you through the exercises. Within 48 hours of the evaluation, we will send you a link to a portal that has the prescribed pictures and videos for you to continue to do exercises at home. THE HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM IS THE BIGGEST COMPONENT OF SUCCESS. CARRYOVER IS ESSENTIAL.

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