Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in Dogs

As our pets age, the tissues lining the joints may deteriorate and degenerate. DJD refers to arthritis or osteoarthritis which is the result of this gradual deterioration. As the joint deterioration continues, the joint becomes unstable, leading to ligaments such as the anterior cruciate rupturing.
What are the signs of DJD?
• Sleeping more
• Slower on walks, or not walking as far
• Resent being touched in certain areas
• Accidents in the house, or walking while trying to defecate.
• Taking more time standing up
• Difficulty getting into the car
• Carrying the head or tail lower
• Reluctance to go upstairs
• Sitting with their hind legs stretched out (lazy sit)
• In Auckland the signs of DJD are more obvious when the seasons change, especially during the spring months.

Treatment
Many dogs with DJD are overweight. If your dog is overweight they must lose weight in a controlled manner. There are several weight-reduction diets available that we supply at Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic. Most of the damage caused by DJD is irreversible. The goals of treatment are to improve the quality of life by minimising pain and discomfort and to delay the progression of the disease. The quality of life can be improved by modifying the environment so that the dog can get around more readily and by providing pain relief.

Modern analgesics
• Non-steroidals are very effective for pain relief. Blood tests are necessary to monitor kidney and liver function
• Gabapentin is an effective drug, especially when given with other medication.
• Antinol™ is a green-lipped mussel extract
• Laser therapy. Class IV Laser enhances the natural healing process by reducing inflammation and pain, and often provides great results. We have had a Class IV Laser at Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic for several years. Appointments can be made with the nurses for a course of laser physiotherapy for your pet.
Can the progression of DJD be slowed?
There are drugs and nutritional supplements that are effective in controlling the destruction of cartilage in dogs with DJD. They work by:
• Improving the blood supply within the joint
• Preventing the formation of some of the harmful enzymes that potentiate the destruction of cartilage within the joint
• Promote the formation of fibrous tissue to heal damaged areas
• Promoting cartilage repair

Two very good products that we have in the clinic are Synovan™ and Synoquin™. Synovan™ helps by stimulating the production of joint fluid thereby improving joint movement.