Dog arthritis is a complex disease. However, one aspect of the disease a dog owner should have a full grasp of is that this crippling disease does not just develop overnight. If one day you suddenly notice that your dog is experiencing some lameness, it does not mean that your dog may have suddenly developed arthritis. It takes years of wear and tear on your dog's joint cartilage before the disease's symptoms become noticeable. Also, your dog's instinct forces the animal to conceal any pain or discomfort it may be feeling in the joints for as long as possible. Thus, most owners are unaware that their dog has already developed arthritis and only notice the symptoms when their dog's joints have been significantly damaged. This is a situation dog owners should aim to avoid as dog arthritis is best treated in its early stages.
Since dog arthritis is a condition that develops over time, a grading system in terms of severity can be used. In human arthritis, a standardized grading system has been made. This grading system relies on x-rays and arthroscopies to assess the damage on the joints. Unfortunately, a grading system for dogs has yet to be formalized. The absence of a standard dog arthritis severity grading system is a problem that the veterinary world should address as soon as possible. Having a formal scale would make it easier for veterinarians around the world to formulate appropriate treatment plans that best addresses the specific needs of arthritic dogs at different stages of the disease.
In my veterinary practice, I have formulated my own dog arthritis severity grading system. Since this is a personal grading system that I use, I am very much open to discussion and suggestion.
In my dog arthritis grading system, I use four grades. Each grade corresponds to a different stage of cartilage and joint deterioration. Grade 1 is the mildest while Grade 4 is the most severe. With this system, I am able to create a more specific treatment plan that is most suitable to the corresponding grade of severity. Nevertheless, any treatment plan should have the threefold objective: (1) cartilage repair and protection, (2) inflammation management and (3) pain relief.
The following are the four severity grades I formulated:
繚 Grade 1 Arthritis. This is the first stage of dog arthritis; hence, damage to cartilage is quite minimal. The dog may experience some mild and intermittent lameness. Any pain or inflammation can be relieved with rest. Most likely you will not notice anything wrong with your dog as the animal will conceal any pain or discomfort felt in this early phase of the disease. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal a softening of the cartilage. However, there will be no signs osteophytes or bone spurs.
繚 Grade 2 Arthritis. The second stage of dog arthritis severity is marked by moderate lameness experienced most obviously after sleeping or resting. The lameness is still intermittent but manifests more frequently. Fortunately, the lameness eventually disappears as the joints "loosen up" after they "warm up" with use. X-rays and endoscopies reveal minimal cartilage loss but cracks in the cartilage are beginning to show. Early new bone growth (osteophytes), narrowing of joint spaces, and the development of scar tissue can also be detected. It is essential that your dog receives treatment by this stage of the disease as there is still a chance to reverse some of the damage done to the cartilage. Furthermore, surgery, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs are not yet needed.
繚 Grade 3 Arthritis. This grade is described as moderate to severe stage of dog arthritis. In this stage, the dog will be experiencing chronic pain and inflammation. The dog will be having difficulties moving as lameness at this stage can be quite acute. Sadly, it becomes almost impossible to warm up or loosen the joints. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal bigger osteophytes or bone spurs and very thick fissures in the cartilage. It is important that the dog's arthritis avoids reaching this stage, as it is be very hard to restore the damaged joint cartilage of the animal. Also, prescription medication, which can in some cases cause side effects, must now be utilized to manage the symptoms of the disease. In addition, surgery becomes a possible treatment option.
繚 Grade 4 Arthritis. This stage is described as advanced dog arthritis. In this phase of the disease, there is extensive cartilage loss, and the bone underneath the cartilage (sub-chondral bone) as well as the nerves are already exposed. This results in "bone to bone" contact, which is very painful and results in a prolonged inflammatory reaction. Lameness is so severe in this grade that the dog may be immobilized. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal large osteophytes, extensive cartilage lose, "bone to bone" contact, and swollen, thickened joints. Sadly, when your dog's arthritis becomes this severe, saving your dog becomes an uphill battle. In this situation, the worst case scenario of euthanasia may be considered.
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