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.