A Dog Owner’s Overview for Grade 2 Dog Arthritis

Some people view dog arthritis as a natural part of the ageing process. Although there is some truth to this, it often leads to a belief that the disease does not require treatment. However, dog arthritis does require veterinary attention, and if it is treated in its early stages, the damage done to the joints can be reversed.

In my veterinary practice, I have created a grading system to assess the severity of a dog’s arthritis. This grading system has proven to be helpful because it helps owners have a better grasp of their dog’s condition plus it serves as a guide for me, so I can recommend treatment options that can specifically address the medical needs of the dog at a certain grade of arthritis. This article will be a brief but detailed discussion on grade 2 dog arthritis.

Grade 2 Dog Arthritis Symptoms and Treatments 

X-rays and arthroscopy will reveal the early signs of bone spurs or osteophytes. The joint space will also be narrower and some scar tissue will start to build up around the affected joint. Hence, some swelling and thickening of the joints will be noticed in the affected joints.

In grade 2 dog arthritis, the dog will be experiencing mild lameness more frequently especially after some physical activity or after period of rest. Also, the dog will become less active. The arthritic dog may move slower, avoid jumping or running, and will go around obstacles instead of going over them.

If arthritis is caught at this stage, the window of opportunity to reverse the effects of the disease still exists. Treating grade 2 dog arthritis requires treatments used in grade 1 dog arthritis with the addition of Tramadol and dietary supplements.

Tramadol is a prescription painkiller that is considered to be one of the most reliable analgesics and can even be considered as a replacement for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the drug is not available in some countries and states as local laws have labelled it as a controlled substance.

For dietary supplements, look for products containing fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid, which can reduce inflammation that can only be found in fish oil. Studies have also revealed that omega-3 helps to protect the existing cartilage from further damage. Another nutrient you should look for in a supplement is Niacinamide or Vitamin B3. This vitamin improves cartilage production, prevents further cartilage damage, and improves joint mobility. Lastly, look for supplements containing Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). This substance has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help improve chondrocyte metabolism.

Assessing and Treating Dog Arthritis

An effective treatment plan for dog arthritis must have the following objectives: (1) cartilage repair and protection, (2) inflammation management and (3) pain relief. However, the treatment plan must be based on an accurate assessment of the patient’s condition. In human medicine, a grading system is used to assess a patient’s stage of arthritis. This helps the patient better understand his or her condition and makes it easier for the doctor to formulate an appropriate treatment that can be catered to the patient’s condition. In my veterinary practice, I have formulated a similar grading system for dog arthritis. In my grading system, I use four grades with one describing the mildest form through to four which refers to the most severe form.

Grade 1 Arthritis 

This grade refers to the onset of the disease where damage to the joint cartilage is quite minimal. From time to time, the dog will be experiencing mild lameness, however, it will hardly be noticeable. The dog will be experiencing minor pain as well, but will hide this so the owner will barely notice anything wrong with their dog. If you are lucky enough to catch the disease in this early stage, weight management, exercise and supplements will be helpful to prevent the disease from progressing to the next stage. Preventing surgery can also be an option.

Grade 2 Arthritis

In this grade, the mild lameness will be more frequent especially after resting or doing some physical activity. X-rays and endoscopy will reveal the early signs of bone spurs, the growth of scar tissue around the joint and the narrowing of the joint space. For treatment, options used for grade 1 arthritis should be reinforced with Tramadol and omega- 3 supplements.

Grade 3 Arthritis

When your dog’s arthritis reaches this stage, the dog will be experiencing severe and frequent lameness, pronounced joint inflammation and chronic joint pain. X-rays and endoscopy will show large bone spurs, more scar tissue and cracks in the cartilage. Treatment of grade 3 arthritis should compose of grade 1 and 2 arthritis treatment options with the addition of neuropathic pain medicines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary supplements containing bioflavanoids and potent anti-oxidants.

Grade 4 Arthritis

The last grade describes the most severe form of dog arthritis. X-rays and endoscopy will show the presence of large bone spurs, extensive cartilage damage and dense scar tissue surrounding the affected joint(s). In this stage, the dog will be rendered almost totally immobile. Treatment for this grade will include grade 1, 2, and 3 arthritis treatments, stem cell therapy, doxycycline, stronger opioids, biophosphonates and cortisone injections.