Rheumatoid Arthritis (Immune-mediated Disease) in Dogs

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in a dog can vary greatly. Sometimes lameness is the only clinical symptom. The lameness can shift from leg to leg or disappear completely. Some dogs will walk with a limp while some are unable to walk at all.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. Like other types of arthritis, there is lameness, but rheumatoid arthritis specifically degrades the cartilage. The body mistakes its own proteins for foreign protein and tries to eradicate them. Rheumatoid arthritis is relatively uncommon in dogs. It tends to affect small and toy breeds such as the Miniature Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, but it can also affect Greyhounds.

• Lameness
• Inability to walk
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Limb atrophy
• Multiple joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Tonsillitis
• Pneumonia
• Kidney disease
• Recurrent UTIs
• Muscle wasting

Types

Idiopathic

Idiopathic immune-mediated disease can occur in all dogs but most commonly affects small breed dogs. Onset is typically between two to four years of age. Neither sex is more frequently affected than the other.

Erosive

Erosive immune-mediated disease affects Greyhounds. Onset is usually between three to thirty months of age. Neither sex is affected more than the other. Clinical symptoms are similar to that of Idiopathic immune-mediated disease but appear to be slower to progress and overall less destructive.

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis in dogs, as well as humans is relatively unknown. There are genetic markers that make it more likely that rheumatoid arthritis will develop. In dogs, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes appears as a complication of another affliction such as canine distemper.

• Genetic predisposition
• Digestive disease
• Cancer

Because rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively rare occurrence in dogs it can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can vary greatly. Sometimes the only present symptom is lameness which can be easily attributed to other afflictions. Symptoms often come and go, making an accurate health history difficult. Radiology is used to effectively diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Radiology will help to reveal swelling and trouble in the joints. At times,  your veterinarian may choose to do a biopsy of tissue to test for inflammation. X-rays will show a lack of bone mass. Blood tests can be done to show the rheumatoid factor but these are inconclusive. Some dogs that do not have rheumatoid arthritis have the rheumatoid factor present in their blood while some dogs that do have rheumatoid arthritis do not show the rheumatoid factor in a blood test. The synovial fluid can be analyzed with arthrocentesis.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis often includes anti-inflammatory medications. It can also include immunosuppressive medications or steroids. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and provide comfort for the dog. Medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans, such as methotrexate, are used in dogs as well.

Prognosis is guarded. Depending on the severity of the condition and when the diagnosis was made, it is possible for a dog with rheumatoid arthritis to live a happy healthy life. As with any arthritis, keeping pressure off the joints is helpful. Keeping meal portions down and participating in daily walks will aid in keeping the dog mobile. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise, just be careful that the dog is not launching himself repeatedly off a shore or dock after a stick or ball. Hydrotherapy pools for dogs are another option for providing non-weight bearing exercise. Fish oil and other supplements high in omegas will help the joints. An orthopedic dog bed can help keep your dog comfy. Cold weather may be harder on your dog. Providing a nice warm place to lay will provide comfort.