DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE IN SIBERIANS

Although degenerative joint disease (DJD) eventually occurs in most dogs, as it is often associated with aging, it is more prevalent in large and giant breed dogs, says James Cook, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVS, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Also known as osteoarthritis, DJD occurs when “the smooth articular cartilage deteriorates between synovial or movable joints,” Cook says. “As raw bone surfaces rub together, inflammation and pain result, and mobility is impaired. Discomfort and severity vary with individual dogs, and for reasons not known, some dogs remain asymptomatic for relatively long periods of time.”

Determination of DJD is usually made through a physical examination by a veterinarian that includes palpation of joints, a health history and radiography. “Although cartilage is not detectible on film, early DJD may present as a narrowing between joint space on X-rays,” Cook says. “Advanced disease may be seen radiographically through abnormal bone remodeling and knobby growths called bone spurs, or osteophytes.”

DJD commonly is found in major weight-bearing and larger joints in dogs, including the elbows, knees, shoulders and hips, Cook says. Hip dysplasia, which results from a loose connection between the pelvis socket and the thigh-bone ball that creates laxity in the hip joint, often precedes and is believed to be an indicator of future development of DJD, he says.

DJD secondary to hip dysplasia occurs commonly in Siberian Huskies, but so does spinal osteoarthritis, says Kathy Stryeski, D.V.M., Trustee of the Siberian Husky Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps to fund health studies related to the breed. “We see a lot of spinal osteoarthritis in this breed,” she says. “Frequently, the condition is detected on X-rays while investigating another diagnosis. It’s not that we’re looking for it. It’s that it appears on film.”

“Onset of DJD typically occurs in middle-age Siberian Huskies from 2 to 7 years of age, and it can be acute or develop slowly. Incidence typically increases with age,” Cook says. Signs of DJD depend on the location of the affected joint but may include a reluctance to move, a stiff or shortened gait, limping, difficulty in locomotion, especially on damp or cold days, and pain.

“We think of pain as whining, crying or being stiff,” Stryeski says. “But in a dog, pain can be manifested by not interacting with the family or becoming grumpy, clingy, needy or depressed.”

Managing DJD
Though there is no cure for DJD, scientists who study the interaction of genes in health conditions are optimistic that the upcoming completion of the canine genome will increase knowledge about the genetics behind DJD. In the meantime, management goals include alleviating pain in the joints and surrounding ligaments and improving a dog’s mobility.

“Everything we do in the management of DJD is aimed at increasing the quality of life,” Cook says. “There are two major categories to do that. One involves surgery, and the other is nonsurgical. On the nonsurgical side, I refer to it as a ‘triad of treatment.’ We use weight management, activity modification and drug therapy.”

Weight management is by far the most important thing an owner can do to help a dog with DJD, Cook says. “A lot of people don’t realize that,” he says. “A lot of people don’t want to realize that because, I think, it’s also the hardest thing to do. Getting a dog to its ideal weight, even on the lean side of ideal, is going to do more for it than surgery and more than any medication can do because it addresses the biomechanical forces on the joints, which are really causing the pain and lameness.”

“Many of the dogs we encounter with arthritis are obese,” says Robert Hart, D.V.M., an instructor in orthopedic and neurosurgery at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. “If we have an overweight dog, we get it on a diet and weight-reduction plan that will, hopefully, keep it as lean as possible.”

Exercise is another important component of managing DJD. Low-impact activities like leash walking and swimming are usually recommended, Cook says. “The length of exercise depends upon the individual. Some dogs may be able to tolerate longer periods than others,” he says. “The goal is to initiate regular activity on a consistent basis without causing further pain.”

“Drug therapy for DJD involves prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief,“ Cook says. NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins that cause pain by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenases. Cyclooxygenases have two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. In general, the COX-1 pathway products protect the gastrointestinal tract and maintain kidney function, and COX-2 pathway products are produced when joints are inflamed.

“A great deal of current pharmaceutical research is directed toward developing NSAIDs that are specific for COX-2 inhibition so that side effects are minimized while efficacy is maintained,” Cook says. “There are currently multiple COX-2 inhibitors available for human and veterinary use.”

“Unfortunately, we are finding a lot of liver disorders in Siberian Huskies,” Stryeski says. “It’s really important for people who use NSAIDs in a Siberian Husky to get blood work done before they start the drug and approximately two to three weeks later. It also is recommended that blood panels be done annually for Siberian Huskies on NSAIDs.”

Certain over-the-counter products, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, also are used to help manage DJD. Components of joint fluid and/or cartilage, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help to maintain the integrity of existing cartilage but do not rebuild cartilage that is gone, Cook says.

“Basically, they help slow down the degenerative process of DJD,” Cook says. “There’s been some good studies from different laboratories, including our own, that show that these products are antidegradative. They also appear to provide some anti-inflammatory benefit.”

Alternative Care
Pet rehabilitation centers are among alternative care programs for dogs with DJD. These centers provide modalities such as underwater treadmill, swimming, therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulations to help build muscle in joints that have deteriorated.

Pet massage and acupuncture are two other alternative care practices that may help some dogs with DJD. Siberian Husky breeder and certified pet massage therapist Jeanette DiBalsi of Germantown, Pa., says, “Pet massage is very beneficial because it stimulates the immune system and increases circulation. Increased blood flow helps alleviate pain by releasing endorphins.”

“Endorphins are neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties. Prolonged exercise contributes to an increase in production and release of endorphins resulting in what is called ‘runners’ high.’ Massage can be used as a partial substitute for exercise because it increases the oxygen flow to the muscles and helps maintain flexibility for dogs that lack adequate exercise due to stiffness or pain from DVD.”

Important Steps to Take
Breeders and owners of Siberian Huskies can take steps to manage the health of their dogs. These include keeping their dog lean, avoiding obesity, feeding a quality, complete and balanced commercial food, giving prompt attention to injuries, visiting their veterinarian regularly, and making sure that working dogs are in good health and body condition.

“Any Siberian with stiffness, difficulty getting up, and reluctance to move should have X-rays of the lumbar spine and hips done,” Stryeski says.

Degenerative Joint Disease, a painful conditions that can virtually cripple dogs, in ranked as the sixth most prevalent health conditions in Siberian Huskies.

Breeders and owners of Siberian Huskies can take steps to manage the health of their dogs. These include keeping their dog lean, avoiding obesity, feeding a quality complete and balanced commerical food, giving prompt attention to injuries, visiting their veterinarian regularly, and making sure that working dogs are in good health and body condition.

Article courtesy of Purina Farms Research

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