Just like people, as a dog ages his joints can become sensitive and sore. This soreness may be exacerbated during cold weather, barometric pressure changes, or after exercise.  Canine osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease affects 8 million dogs in the United States. It is caused by the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable joint. When the cartilage wears away, the result may be pain and inflammation.

The symptoms of degenerative joint disease will vary depending on which joints are involved, the age of the dog, and the severity of the disease. In general, the first symptoms of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease may be an altered gait as the dog tries to put more of its weight on the unaffected limbs. There may be a reduction in the size of weight bearing muscles in the affected limb. Many times the dog may find it difficult to get up after lying down and appears stiff. The dog may be unable to jump up into the car or perhaps onto the bed or furniture. Many dogs find it difficult to go up or down stairs.

If your vet diagnoses your pet with osteoarthritis, you will have some treatment options depending on the severity of the disease. Your vet may recommend dietary changes, exercise or a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Your dog may take aspirin, a common NSAID, but you should know that dogs are particularly sensitive to the gastrointestinal effects of aspirin.

Coated aspirin may help with these side effects. There is also specific dog NSAIDs, such as carprofen - available as a pill or in chewable form. The Federal Drug Administration provides guidance on the use of NSAIDs for dogs in their publication Guideline 123.

Posted by Barbara.