Revised Article:
Canine Arthritis Injection: Understanding Their Advantages and Operational Mechanisms
Hey there! Let's dive into the world of arthritis treatments for our furry friends. Doggos with osteoarthritis (OA)—an inflammatory joint condition affecting 20-40% of our pooches (1, 2)—desperately need our help. Thankfully, we've got some nifty options to manage canine OA pain, including arthritis injections for dogs. In this post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of these life-changing injections.
Oral meds are usually the go-to for arthritis pain relief in dogs. But arthritis injections are gaining popularity among pet parents seeking effective relief—all without upsetting their dog's tummy, as these shots work directly on the joint (3). Sound interesting? Read on!
What Exactly are Arthritis Shots for Dogs?
Arthritis injections (or arthritis shots) are medications we administer directly into or around your doggo's joint. These wonder-inventions help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and enhance joint function (4). There's one key difference between arthritis injections and standard arthritis meds and supplements: while you can give your canine companion oral meds and supplements in the comfort of your home, arthritis injections necessitate regular visits to the vet clinic for administration. But trust us, the benefits are worth the trips!
Types of Arthritis Injections for Dogs
There's a range of arthritis injections to choose from for our four-legged pals:
Adequan
Adequan is an injectable medication that's a lifesaver for arthritic dogs. It contains polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), which works superbly by stopping enzymes that break down the cartilage in your dog's joints and encouraging healthy joint fluid (5). Adequan injections provide targeted relief directly to the joint, reducing inflammation and improving lubrication within the joint—that's a perfect recipe for alleviating painful arthritis and stiffness.
To administer Adequan, your vet will give your doggo a series of shots. Doggos typically receive eight intramuscular shots over the span of a month. If your doggo's still feeling the pain after that, your vet might decide to repeat the series the following month.
Adequan is incredibly safe with minimal side effects. Not only does it provide much-needed relief, but it also heals joint cartilage over time—resulting in improved joint function and mobility (6).
Librela
Librela is a monthly injection for dogs dealing with arthritis that provides relief from the painful symptoms of canine OA. This innovative treatment is the first and only monoclonal antibody injection that targets nerve growth factor. Librela operates by using your dog's immune system to prevent arthritis pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively blocking the pain (7).
A single injection of Librela under your doggo's skin can provide pain relief for a whopping month! And since it's a monoclonal antibody shot, it doesn't affect other body systems or compromise organ function, making it a safe and reliable choice.
However, it's important to know that Librela doesn't reduce inflammation or enhance joint function directly—it simply prevents your fur buddy from feeling the pain associated with these conditions. Therefore, it's not suitable as a standalone OA treatment plan. It's essentially a lifesaver for certain dogs who fall into these categories:
- Doggos whose bodies can't tolerate NSAIDs like Galliprant
- Doggos with kidney or liver disease
- Doggos already taking NSAIDs who are still experiencing OA pain
Intra-articular Steroid Injections
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone or methylprednisolone) are potent medications that can help reduce swelling. Your vet may inject steroids into your doggo's joints to suppress the immune responses causing joint pain and inflammation.
Steroid shots work swiftly, offering rapid and powerful relief within a day. However, their effects may diminish over time. The downside? Steroids can harm doggos' cartilage and contribute to worsening OA, so many vets usually only use these injections in palliative care situations (6).
Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid—a substance found naturally within joint fluid and cartilage—can be injected directly into your doggo's inflamed joint to help lubricate and reduce friction, decreasing inflammation. The effects of hyaluronic acid injections can vary, but they can provide relief for several weeks to months and significantly improve joint function and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs (8).
Since this injection is highly targeted, side effects are minimal and unlikely. Nevertheless, it only helps to improve joint function in the joint where your vet injects it. Therefore, it's less suitable for dogs with generalized or widespread pain resulting from osteoarthritis.
Each type of arthritis shot offers unique benefits and considerations. Your vet can recommend the most suitable option based on your doggo's condition, overall health, and specific needs. Regular communication ensures optimal management of arthritis symptoms, leading to increased comfort and mobility for your fur buddy.
Benefits of Arthritis Shots for Doggos
Benefits of choosing arthritis shots to ease your doggo's OA pain include:
- Fewer Side Effects: Injections are less likely to cause tummy upset, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects like vomiting or diarrhea (9).
- Targeted Therapy: Medicine only acts on joint tissue or inflammatory mediators, minimizing damage to other body systems or organs (10).
- Longer Duration: Arthritis shots can provide relief for several weeks, reducing the frequency of treatments.
- Improved Joint Function: Many dogs experience increased mobility and reduced stiffness (6).
Things to Consider When Choosing Arthritis Injections for Doggos
- Administration: Injections require regular vet visits instead of home dosing (11).
- Discomfort: Though minimal, some dogs may experience side effects, such as tenderness or discomfort at the injection site (12).
- Cost: Injections tend to be pricier than oral medications and supplements (13).
Is It Time for Arthritis Injections for Your Doggo?
Choosing arthritis injections to manage your fur buddy's OA pain can be a game-changer. But remember, not all doggos are perfect candidates. Your vet will consider your doggo's age, breed, overall health, and arthritis symptoms severity before making recommendations. It's crucial to discuss your options with your vet to find the best treatment for your doggo.
Your vet may recommend arthritis shots on their own or in combination with medications, weight loss, supplements, and rehabilitation. Be sure to ask about the different types available, how they work, and what to expect during and after treatment. Don't hesitate to inquire about potential side effects, any contraindications, and monitoring techniques.
Work closely with your vet to make informed decisions about arthritis shots for your doggo. If they are a good fit, they can help manage your doggo's arthritis, alleviate pain, promote mobility, and enhance your doggo's quality of life.
References:
- Johnston, S A. (1997). "Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology." The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 27(4), 699-723. doi:10.1016/s0195-5616(97)50076-3
- Wright, A et al. (2022). "Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests." The Journal of small animal practice, 63(8), 609-618. doi:10.1111/jsap.13500
- Center for Veterinary Medicine (n.d.). "Joint Disease." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/joint-disease
- American Kennel Club (2021). "Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments." American Kennel Club. Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-symptoms-causes-treatments/
- Arthritis in Pets (n.d.). "Adequan in Dogs," Elanco Animal Health. Retrieved from: https://arthritisinpets.com/treatments/injections/adequan/
- Verdino, J. (2017). "When Declawing isn't Effective: Dealing with the Stress and Anxiety Causes." Veterinary Practice News. Veterinary Practice News. Retrieved from: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/when-declawing-isnt-effective-dealing-with-the-stress-and-anxiety-causes/
- Noble, D. (2017). "Monoclonal Antibodies: Global History." Antibodies: Open Access Journal. BioMed Central Ltd. Retrieved from: https://antibodies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40493-017-0040-5
- Arthritis in Pets (n.d.). "Hyaluronic Acid in Dogs," Elanco Animal Health. Retrieved from: https://arthritisinpets.com/treatments/injections/hyaluronic-acid/
- Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2018). "Enrofloxacin," Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/infectious-disorders-of-the-skin/infections-caused-by-antibiotic-resistant-organisms/enrofloxacin
- Iceland, L.S., & Levine, M. (2007). "Adverse reactions associated with use of corticosteroids." Clinical rheumatology, 26 Suppl 2, 14-21. doi:10.1007/s10067-007-0492-9
- Falls, M. (2019). "Balancing Act: How to Treat Arthritis Pain Without Exacerbating GI Problems." Pet Medical Center of Vermont. Retrieved from: https://www.petmedcenter.org/blog/balancing-act-how-to-treat-arthritis-pain-without-exacerbating-gi-problems/
- Arthritis in Dogs: Statistics and Facts (n.d.). The White Coat Investor. Retrieved from: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/hospitals/statistics-facts-arthritis-dogs/
- Schlesinger, N. (2015). "Cat DNA testing enables a fresh look into feline genetic diversity." Science Cornell. Cornell University. Retrieved from: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2015/09/cat-dna-testing-enables-fresh-look-feline-genetic-diversity
- These arthritis injections are powerful treatments for canine osteoarthritis, a medical condition that affects an estimated 20-40% of dogs.
- Adequan, one type of arthritis injection, contains polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) that encourages healthy joint fluid and reduces inflammation.
- Arthritis injections provide targeted relief directly to the joint, reducing inflammation and improving lubrication within the joint.
- Intra-articular steroid injections, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, suppress the immune responses causing joint pain and inflammation.
- Librela, an injection for dogs with arthritis, targets nerve growth factor using a dog's immune system to prevent arthritis pain signals from reaching the brain.
- Adequan injections heal joint cartilage over time, resulting in improved joint function and mobility.
- Librela can provide pain relief for a full month, but it doesn't directly reduce inflammation or enhance joint function.
- Hyaluronic acid injections, which contain a substance found naturally within joint fluid and cartilage, decrease inflammation and improve lubrication.
- Arthritis injections are less likely to cause tummy upset, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Arthritis injections are more targeted, resulting in fewer side effects and less damage to other body systems or organs.
- Injections necessitate regular vet visits for administration, unlike oral meds and supplements.
- Some dogs may experience side effects, such as tenderness or discomfort, at the injection site.
- Injections tend to be pricier than oral medications and supplements, making cost a crucial consideration when choosing treatment options.
