What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that results in pain and loss of function in the joints and subsequently affects the surrounding bones and tissues. It requires multi-disciplinary management, including medication to reduce and relieve the symptoms and other management measures, of which obesity is one factor.
Weight loss and arthritis
Normally, joints can function well when the pressure from the animal's weight is equal due to the flow of fluid in the joint, increasing the drainage of waste products in the joint, and helping the circulation of nutrients in the joint. However, in the case of overweight animals, the pressure on the joints is too much, which has a negative effect on the cartilage around the joints and can eventually develop into arthritis.
Adipose tissue in the body and arthritis
It has been found that animals with a high amount of adipose tissue in their body produce more inflammatory mediators that affect the cartilage and joints and the synovial membrane, ultimately causing joint degeneration and inflammation.
Can losing weight help reduce joint inflammation?
Studies have shown that animals that are overweight have reduced weight bearing on their legs and conversely, animals that are underweight have more weight bearing on their legs and can reduce the severity or delay the onset of arthritis.
In summary, an animal’s weight that exceeds the standard affects the animal’s leg use and can increase the risk of arthritis. Therefore, owners should take care of their pets, such as adjusting their diet, exercising them regularly, and checking for abnormal symptoms in dogs related to arthritis, such as not using their legs, sleeping more than usual, or crying out in pain when using their legs. If abnormalities are found, they should be taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Reference: Article: Obesity and Osteoarthritis -Are they related?
44th World Small Animal Veterinary Medical Association Convention,2019
Compiled by Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat
Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Internal Medicine Center
English