Dog Rheumatoid Arthritis
is an immune-mediated disease.
This means it is caused by an overreaction of the
immune system. In rheumatoid arthritis the body mistakes some of its own protein
for foreign protein. It then makes antibodies against its own protein. These
unique antibodies are collectively called the "
rheumatoid factor". The
antibodies and protein form immune complexes, which are then deposited in the
joint. These complexes trigger inflammation. With rheumatoid arthritis, the
body tries to rid itself of the injurious immune complexes, but manages to only
create more damage to the joint. Eventually the cartilage and even the bone in
the joint are worn away.
The symptoms may be the same as with other forms of arthritis. An animal with
rheumatoid arthritis generally has several joints affected. The animal is
usually lame, but not always. The lameness may be mild or very severe to the
point where the animal cannot walk. Sometimes the lameness shifts from leg to
leg. In some cases, the lameness comes on suddenly and the animal also has a
fever and loss of appetite. At other times, the only symptom of rheumatoid
arthritis is stiffness. The joints affected are swollen and painful. Some dogs
with rheumatoid arthritis also have kidney disease, enlarged lymph nodes,
tonsillitis and pneumonia.
The history and physical exam often lead a veterinarian to suspect rheumatoid
arthritis. X-rays, biopsies along with the history of the pet and the physical
exam are all used to diagnose the disease. A special blood test can be done to
look for the rheumatoid factor. The synovial fluid which is present in the
joints of the dog may be analyzed to show changes. Cells involved in
inflammation are present in large numbers, the fluid is usually of a thinner
consistency than normal and instead of being clear, the fluid is cloudy.
Many treatment options are available. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as
buffered aspirin are often used. Sometimes steroids such as prednisolone are
used. Many dog owners prefer using a product such as
Free & Easy for Dogs to
alleviate the rheumatoid arthritis. Other options such as weight control and
crate rest such be used in conjunction with any treatment. You should consult
with your veterinarian before deciding on a course of action with your dog.
Recently veterinarians and pet owners in the United States
have prescribed products with Gluclosamine, Chondroitin
and Ester-C for their pets. Free & Easy for Dogs is an example
of a commercially tested product available for pet owners with these vitamin supplements.
Products like
Free & Easy for
Dogs, that contain natural preventative supplements to fight
dog rheumatoid arthritis ,is proving to be one of the safest and best treatments
for the crippling affects of rheumatoid arthritis that affects
millions of aging dogs throughout the United States.
