What is Canine Hip and Lumbar Arthritis?
Canine arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects older dogs. It can occur in various parts of a dog’s body, with the hip and lumbar (lower back) regions being particularly susceptible. This condition results in the deterioration of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions the joints—leading to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hip and Lumbar Arthritis
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re in pain, so it’s essential to recognize the signs of arthritis, especially in the hip and lumbar areas:
1. Limping or Lameness:
o You may notice your dog favouring one leg or struggling to walk. Limping can be more pronounced after rest or intense activity.
2. Difficulty Rising or Lying Down:
o Dogs with hip or lumbar arthritis often have trouble getting up from a resting position. They may also show reluctance to lie down.
3. Stiffness and Decreased Mobility:
o Stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, is a common symptom. Your dog may move more slowly or show reluctance to engage in physical activity.
4. Behavioural Changes:
o Arthritis can make dogs more irritable, especially when their hips or back are touched. You might also notice a decrease in their interest in play or interaction.
5. Muscle Atrophy:
o Over time, the muscles around the affected joints may begin to weaken and shrink due to disuse.
6. Changes in Gait:
o Dogs with arthritis might develop a "bunny hop" gait or drag their back legs as they walk.
7. Pain When Touched:
o If you notice your dog flinching, whining, or reacting negatively when their hips or lower back are touched, it could indicate arthritis.
The Best Supplements to Reduce Inflammation
Several supplements can help manage arthritis in dogs by reducing inflammation and supporting joint health:
1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin:
o These are among the most common supplements for arthritis. Glucosamine helps maintain the health of cartilage, while chondroitin can slow down its deterioration. Together, they can improve joint function and reduce pain.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
o Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility.
3. Turmeric (Curcumin):
o Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce arthritis symptoms. Curcumin, the active ingredient, has been shown to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
4. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):
o MSM is a sulphur compound that supports joint health by reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of connective tissues.
5. Hyaluronic Acid:
o This supplement helps lubricate the joints, reducing friction and pain during movement.
6. Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM):
o GLM is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It’s particularly effective in reducing inflammation and supporting joint repair.
How Massage and Acupressure Can Relieve Symptoms
A certified canine massage and acupressure therapist, such as Soul Paws’ Massage Therapist, can have a profound impact on dogs with arthritis. Here’s exactly how they help:
1. Massage Therapy:
o Pain Relief: Regular massage helps reduce muscle tension and relieve pain by promoting relaxation. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
o Improved Circulation: Massage enhances blood flow to the affected areas, bringing in nutrients and oxygen that promote healing while removing waste products that contribute to inflammation.
o Increased Flexibility: Gentle stretching and manipulation during massage can improve joint flexibility, reducing stiffness and enhancing mobility.
o Reduction of Muscle Atrophy: By maintaining muscle tone around the affected joints, massage can prevent or slow down the muscle atrophy that often accompanies arthritis.
2. Acupressure:
o Stimulation of Key Points: Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the dog’s body to stimulate healing. For hip and lumbar arthritis, points like Gallbladder 29 (near the hip joint) and Bladder 40 (behind the knee) can relieve pain and improve joint function.
o Energy Flow Balance: According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure helps balance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body, which can reduce pain and inflammation while promoting overall well-being.
o Enhanced Comfort: Regular acupressure sessions can help manage chronic pain, making daily life more comfortable for aging dogs.
Frequency of Massage for Dogs with Arthritis
For dogs with hip and lumbar arthritis, regular massage sessions are crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life, however the practicality of taking your dog to massage clinic or having a therapist come to your home very regularly can become too expensive, so it is critical to balance out professional massage with the recommendations your therapist provides at the end of their sessions.
• Preventative Care: For dogs with early signs of arthritis or at risk of developing the condition, a monthly professional massage session can help keep their joints healthy and flexible. Your massage therapist can give you some massage techniques that you can use in between sessions to help maintain.
• Moderate Arthritis: Dogs with moderate arthritis benefit from massage therapy 1 to 2 times a week to manage pain, reduce stiffness, and maintain muscle tone.
• Severe Arthritis: In cases of severe arthritis, massage might be necessary daily but in practical terms, at minimum try to get a professional massage 2 to 3 times per week, especially during flare-ups or after periods of increased activity. Again, ask your massage therapist to show you some techniques that you can use on specific muscles so you can help maintain between professional sessions.
Dog owners who learn simple massage techniques to practice at home can help the massage therapist in keeping their dog’s pain and inflammation level in check. This allows for consistent care and provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the dog and owner.
Other incredibly helpful treatments such as Near Infrared Laser Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nervous Stimulation (TENS) and Therapeutic Aroma Therapy are all amazing additions to help reduce inflammation and pain. Talk to your dog’s massage therapist about adding in these amazing treatments.
Conclusion
Hip and lumbar arthritis can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life, but with the right approach, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and maintain comfort. It’s very important to ensure their weight is maintained, and this includes limiting or making treats very small, and lessening the food in their bowls to accommodate any treats given. Supplements like glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric can reduce inflammation and support joint health, while regular massage and acupressure therapy especially with near infrared therapy and other modalities, can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. By incorporating these therapies into a dog’s routine, owners can help their beloved pets age gracefully and comfortably.
Sources:
• Shojai, A. (2017) Complete Care for your Aging Dog, 141-146.
• Johnston, S. A., & Tobias, K. M. (2017). Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Anderson, K. L., & O’Neill, D. G. (2018). Systematic Review of Canine Hip Dysplasia. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 59(5), 205-214.
• Millis, D. L., & Levine, D. (2014). Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Kumar, D., & Sharma, A. (2018). Nutritional Supplements and Canine Arthritis. Veterinary World, 11(5), 701-708.
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