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Arthritis in Dogs  

What is Arthritis in Dogs?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the structure of a dog's entire joint, causing pain and inflammation. Over time, this can lead the joint to weaken and become less stable. 

Arthritis may also be referred to as Osteoarthritis (OA), or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).

Did you Know that Arthritis is the Most Common Cause of Pain in Dogs? 

Arthritis in people is often considered an age-related condition and many people assume this is true in dogs as well. However, there are many causes of canine arthritis and it can be found in both young and old dogs.

Did you know? 

  • 1 in 5 dogs in North America over the age of one are affected by the disease1

     

  • According to Dr. Lascelles, a professor of veterinary surgery and pain management, "osteoarthritis is a young dog's disease2 

Understanding Canine Arthritis 

Learn more about the disease, causes, signs, and treatment options. 

Picture of woman walking a Jack Russell dog

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can develop for many reasons, some of which are listed below: 

Breed or size

Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to arthritis than others. Larger dogs are most at risk because of the amount of pressure their weight places on their joints.  

Age

Just like in people, as your dog approaches old age, the chance of suffering from advanced arthritis increases due to years of wear and tear on the joints. Young dogs are able to compensate with changes in posture and gait, but as arthritis progresses, their signs of discomfort can become more obvious.

Abnormally shaped bones or cartilage 

Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to developmental diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia; other breeds are prone to deformities of the joint during growth, which causes the dog to develop abnormal movement patterns, and can, in some cases, cause early-onset arthritis.

Obesity 
Excess body weight can not only increase the likelihood of developing arthritis but can also hasten the progression and severity of existing disease. Heavier animals increase the mechanical load and force exerted through their joints daily, particularly when engaging in high-intensity activities such as running or jumping.

Injuries 

Any injuries to the bones, joints, or ligaments, especially if not properly treated, can increase the likelihood of a dog developing arthritis. 

Signs 

Arthritis causes chronic (persistent) pain, signs of which are often very subtle. It is important to look out for any signs of arthritis in dogs of all ages, because it can occur in both young and old dogs, and early detection can be key to managing the disease. The immediate family is best placed to notice if there are any subtle differences in the way their dog behaves or moves. These might include some of the following:

Changes to Behavior and Movement

  • Changes in temperament toward people and/or other pets          

  • Lameness/limping     

  • Reluctance to jump in/out of the car or go up/down stairs

  • Difficulty settling or getting comfortable      

  • Stiffness - especially after periods of rest     

  • Sleeping more

  • Difficulty posturing to eliminate   

  • Licking joints  

  • Changes in body shape and/or coat

  • Slowing down or reluctance to go on a walk

  • General signs of pain e.g. panting, loss of appetite

  • Asymmetrical nail wear and/or change in toe position

  • Aggression when manipulated 

Arthritis requires Multimodal Management 

Arthritis can only be diagnosed by your veterinarian once they have physically examined your dog. After diagnosis, your veterinarian will help you decide on what actions to take to help manage the progression of the disease and the pain it causes. These actions might include a combination of: 

  • Medical therapy

  • Weight management

  • Exercise

  • Dietary management

  • Possible surgery

  • Modifications and adaptations to the home environment

  • Nutraceuticals and supplements

  • Complementary therapies

Treating Pain and Inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Norbrook® offers a number of brands in several dosing formulations to treat pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. Discover more here.

 

Treating Pain and Inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Learn more about Carprieve® (carprofen tablets) Caplets.

Treating Pain and Inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

A number of Norbrook® brands are available in a chewable tablet formulation.

Treating Pain and Inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

A number of Norbrook® brands are available in an injectable formulation. 

Treating Pain and Inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Loxicom® (meloxicam oral suspension) 1.5 mg/mL is available in several bottle sizes. 

References:

1. Anderson KL, Zulch H, O’Neill DG, et al. Risk Factors for Canine Osteoarthritis and Its Predisposing Arthropathies: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2020;7:220.

2. Lascelles, D. Getting ahead of osteoarthritis in pets, 2020 AVMA Virtual Convention. August 2020.

Safety Information 

Carprieve® (carprofen tablets) Caplets

Observe label directions. For oral use in dogs only. Do not use in cats. As with other NSAIDs, rare but serious side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur. Such signs may include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea. Some of these side effects, in rare instances, may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death. Regular monitoring is required for pets on medication. Pet owners should be advised to discontinue treatment if side effects occur and contact their veterinarian. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

Carprieve® (carprofen) Chewable Tablets

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: As a class, NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney and liver side effects. These are usually mild, but may be serious. Dog owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for dogs on any medication, including Carprieve®. Use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided. See full product labeling here for full product information.

 

Carprieve® Injection (carprofen)

Observe label directions. For subcutaneous use in dogs only. Do not use in cats. As with other NSAIDs, rare but serious side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur. Such signs may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death. Regular monitoring is required for pets on medication. Pet owners should be advised to discontinue use if side effects occur and contact their veterinarian. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

Firox® (firocoxib) Chewable Tablets 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: FIROX (firocoxib) Chewable Tablets are for use in dogs only. As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs like FIROX may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver side effects. Dogs should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with FIROX, then monitored regularly while on therapy. Concurrent use with another NSAID, corticosteroid, or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided or monitored closely. For more information, please see full prescribing information here. 

 

Loxicom® (meloxicam oral suspension) 1.5 mg/mL   

Observe label directions. Do not use Loxicom® Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats. As with any medication, side effects may occur. These are usually mild, but may be serious. The most common side effects reported in field studies were vomiting, soft stool/diarrhea and decreased appetite. If side effects occur, discontinue treatment immediately and consult a veterinarian. Dogs should be evaluated for pre-existing medical conditions prior to treatment and monitored during therapy. See product labeling here for full product, safety, and adverse event reporting information.

 

Loxicom® (meloxicam) 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection

Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. See the Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions section of the package insert for detailed information. 

Loxicom® (meloxicam) Solution for Injection 5 mg/mL is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. As with other NSAID-class medications, signs of meloxicam intolerance may include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate side effects involving the digestive tract, liver or kidneys. Some of these side effects may occur without warning and, in rare situations may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death. Observe the dog or cat for signs of potential drug toxicity. If these signs occur, discontinue meloxicam therapy and contact a veterinarian immediately. Loxicom® should be administered to cats only via the subcutaneous (SQ) route. Do not use intravenously (IV) in cats. Concomitant use with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided. Do not administer a second dose of meloxicam to cats. Do not follow the single, one-time dose of meloxicam with any other NSAID or with meloxicam oral suspension in cats. Do not use meloxicam in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction. Refer to the product insert here for additional safety information (including warnings, precautions and contraindications) and full directions for use.

The Norbrook logo, Carprieve, Firox and Loxicom are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

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