What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the cartilage. The hyaline cartilage becomes thinner, and bony proliferations, called osteophytes, appear. An effusion of synovial fluid, the fluid present in the joint capsule, is also observed. The joint loses mobility and becomes painful with each movement.
The different types of osteoarthritis
As shown by the statistics mentioned in the video attached to this article, this disease is very common in pets. First of all, you should know that there are two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary osteoarthritis.
Primary osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects older dogs. It is due to normal wear and tear of the joints. It can also affect dogs that have intense physical activity and therefore constantly strain their joints.
Obese dogs can also have osteoarthritis before age. Indeed, being overweight causes unusual wear and tear on the joints. These are not suitable for supporting too heavy a weight.
Secondary osteoarthritis
If osteoarthritis is secondary, it is the direct consequence of several conditions. These conditions include trauma, torn ligaments, genetic malformations or even bone disease.
Thus, we know that certain breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, notably Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds. This congenital malformation evolves more or less quickly towards painful and debilitating osteoarthritis.Early diagnosis is therefore essential to treat the dog as quickly as possible and thus prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
When the animal is affected, it is more difficult for him to move. Reduced activity, difficulty getting up or climbing stairs are signs that should alert the owner.
In dogs, the disease develops around the age of 8 years.
Lameness, muscle atrophy and enlargement of the joint capsule are other notable signs. The progressive evolution of this condition can be punctuated by very debilitating "osteoarthritis attacks" , during which the animal can present intense pain, to the point of not being able to move.
To confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian carries out radiological examinations. Since the cartilage is not visible on the x-rays, they make it possible to visualize a reduced joint space.As the disease worsens, osteophytes and underlying bone changes are visible on X-rays
The treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment can be medical or surgical. Depending on the severity and type of osteoarthritis, the animal will sometimes be able to fully recover its mobility once the operation has been performed.
It should be noted, however, that osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and the treatment is administered for life.
As for medical treatment, it is most often nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Their administration must be done under veterinary supervision to avoid the development of complications, in particular digestive disorders. Sometimes corticosteroids are used for quick pain relief, but they are only for short-term use.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
There are several meta-analyses on osteoarthritis in companion animals.A meta-analysis combines the results of a series of independent studies on a given problem, according to a reproducible protocol. Thus, the consequences of obesity and its mechanical stress on the appearance of osteoarthritis are well established and documented, in particular through meta-analyses published by the "Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association" .
According to these meta-analyses, it therefore seems essential to feed your animal in a way that is adapted to its needs, such as its size, age and level of physical activity. Thus, we avoid a painful pathology for the animal and increase its comfort of life.