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Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis

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Updated on September 26, 2024

SUMMARY OF CONTENT

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated disease that targets the cartilage in joints causing lameness.

SEVERITY:

Severity is mild to severe
  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    No resolution, this is a chronic problem that usually requires lifelong treatment
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by pet parent
  • Prevention Icon
    No known prevention
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not possible between animals or from animals to people
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires a physical examination, blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), synovial (joint) fluid analysis

VERY COMMON IN

Common in toy or small breeds of dogs, generally between 5 and 6 years of age

Symptoms & Signs

A dog with rheumatoid arthritis generally has multiple joints affected. The animal is usually lame, limping or showing other signs of walking difficulty, 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 dog also has a fever and loss of appetite. At other times, the only sign of rheumatoid arthritis is stiffness. The joints affected are swollen and painful. If the lameness has gone on for some time, there may be loss of muscle in that limb (muscle atrophy). Some dogs will have other body systems affected as well as the joints. Some dogs with rheumatoid arthritis also have kidney disease, enlarged lymph nodes, tonsillitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis

The history and physical exam often lead a veterinarian to suspect rheumatoid arthritis. Radiographs (x-rays) are taken and typically show the loss of bone - the bone often appears like holes have been punched in it. The joint surfaces are often irregular and bony spurs coming off of the bone are often seen. A special blood test can be done to look for the rheumatoid factor. Unfortunately, rheumatoid factor is sometimes present in dogs without rheumatoid arthritis, and not all dogs with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for the factor. The synovial fluid may be analyzed and shows characteristic changes. Cells involved in inflammation are present in large numbers, the fluid is usually cloudy and of a thinner consistency than normal. Biopsies of the tissues within the joint can be made and show characteristic changes.

Causation

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated disease. This means it is caused by an overreaction of the immune system. A normal immune system reacts when the body identifies a foreign protein such as proteins on the outside of bacteria. This foreign material which invokes the immune response is called an antigen. The body can react to the antigen by producing protein molecules (antibodies) which bind the antigen. The combination of the antibody bound or attached to the antigen is called an immune complex. 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 'rheumatoid factor.' The antibodies and protein form immune complexes, which are then deposited in the joint. These complexes trigger a process called inflammation, which is how the body reacts to injury. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the body tries to rid itself of the injurious immune complexes, but manages to only create more damage to the joint. The process then becomes self-perpetuating. Eventually, the cartilage and even the bone in the joint are worn away. The exact reason for this abnormal immune response in rheumatoid arthritis is not known.

Treatments

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AT-HOME CARE

Most dogs with rheumatoid arthritis are treated with daily medications. Strict rest, especially early in the course of the disease is important. Weight control is also a very important part of the treatment plan. Overweight pets will put excess stress on their already injured joints. Weight gain is likely since the pet will often be less active, so careful attention to diet is important.
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SUPPORTIVE CARE

When the dog responds to treatment a gentle exercise program can be started. It is important to exercise every day for the same amount of time. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen muscles and increase range of motion. An orthopedic dog bed may also be helpful to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort.
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MEDICATIONS

Dogs with rheumatoid arthritis are treated with medications that suppress the immune response. These medications include prednisone, as well as other immunosuppressant medications such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. Some researchers have suggested that fatty acid supplements may help reduce some of the inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics may also be used. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation can also help improve the cartilage in affected joints. Gold injections have proven helpful in some cases.
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MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration/tap) is often used as a diagnostic tool.
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SURGERY

None
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SPECIALISTS

Rheumatoid arthritis is typically managed by a general practitioner, however, a veterinary specialist in internal medicine may be necessary for more complex cases.

Cost Of Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment vary greatly. Expect to spend at least $500 and $1,000 on tests to diagnose the condition. Long term management costs depend on the severity of the condition, medications used and the size of the dog being treated.

Recovery

At this point, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured. The long-term outlook for dogs with rheumatoid arthritis is one of trying to control the signs and prevent further injury to the joint.

Monitoring

Careful monitoring of pets on immunosuppressive drugs is important. They will be more prone to developing infections, and some of these drugs have toxic side effects. The veterinarian will adjust medicine dosages depending on the patient’s response. Rheumatoid arthritis can relapse if medications are tapered too quickly. Frequent follow up and communication with the veterinarian is vital so the correct medication and dosage is used.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent the disease from occurring.

Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs
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My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. Treatment should only be provided under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.