It has long been known that dogs of every breed and size can suffer from arthritis. This disease is a degeneration of the joints that causes discomfort and pain when walking and at other specific moments, such as waking up, when the joint is still "cold" and therefore more susceptible to the problem. The term arthritis, of Greek origin, means "joint degeneration". It is precisely the affected joints that cause chronic pain — pain that tends to flare up cyclically, creating persistent and debilitating discomfort for the animal. In such cases, it is important for the owner to be attentive in identifying the clinical signs of the condition and to seek veterinary advice in order to choose the most appropriate treatment.

Causes and symptoms of arthritis in dogs

"Joints are made up of different types of tissue — explains Dr Michela Galgano, veterinary surgeon — bone tissue, cartilaginous tissue covering it, and fibrous tissue, of which the capsular ligaments are composed, making the joint structure almost a virtual cavity." The joints are lined with cartilaginous tissue — a semi-rigid tissue lubricated by a thin layer of synovial fluid. All of this is designed to absorb a large part of the mechanical stress placed on a dog's joints, which, incidentally, is considerable.

"Think of the work done by the spine of a dog taking part in an agility course — Dr Galgano continues — or that performed by the limb joints of a champion sled dog. All of this is made possible by the perfect anatomical and functional balance of the components of the joint structure. When any factor disturbs this delicate balance, we witness the slow but progressive onset of all those pathological changes that lead to the condition we call arthritis."

The factors that trigger this mechanism are many. The primary role is certainly played by a faulty anatomical conformation of the joint — one need only think of all those dogs that suffer from dysplasia, that is, abnormal joint development (hip, elbow, knee). Excess weight also plays a fundamental role, as it places excessive and abnormal stress on the joints, and if they are not anatomically perfect to begin with, it accelerates the onset of this process.

"In sporting animals, on the other hand, we can speak of genuine joint wear caused by the stress that physical activity places on the animal's joints," Galgano continues. Whatever the origin of the arthritis, a pathological process eventually sets in that affects all joint tissues to varying degrees. The result is a joint invaded by degenerated, pathological tissues, poorly or entirely unsuited to the functions normally performed by the healthy tissues they have replaced. Then, inevitably, pain arrives and the vicious cycle is complete.

When treating arthritis also means going natural

Arthritis is not a disease that can be cured in itself, but it can undoubtedly be treated. Prevention is the most important step (weight management, controlled exercise especially in large and giant breeds, routine check-ups and preventive X-rays in breeds identified as "at risk").

"The pain and chronic inflammation affecting the joints — Galgano clarifies — is treated by administering anti-inflammatory drugs: for this purpose, various protocols may be used, involving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, or a combination of the two at minimal dosages."

Be wary, however, of self-medicating. In dogs and cats, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs specifically formulated for these species are used, as they tolerate poorly the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in humans. It is therefore always advisable to speak with your own vet before choosing a medication for your four-legged friend. There are, however, natural remedies that may prove effective against pain and rheumatism in dogs and cats.

"For arthritic pain, boswellia serrata is excellent — explains Dr Laura Cutullo, homeopathic veterinary surgeon and flower therapist — a tree native to India from which incense is derived. In medicine today, the extract obtained from the plant's resin is used; it contains substances called boswellic acids, capable of inhibiting certain enzymes involved in joint and muscular inflammation. Boswellia is taken on its own as a dry extract or combined with devil's claw (harpagophytum procumbens)." In the latter case, the part used is the root, known for its analgesic and antipyretic effects. For both remedies, 20 mg of dry extract per ten kilograms of the animal's body weight is administered once or twice a day.

Arthritis in dogs can also be effectively prevented and managed with an appropriate diet rich in anti-inflammatory agents, and with the use of suitable supplements. And, once again, the health and wellbeing of our four-legged friends can find great support in the resources of Mother Nature.