As the disease progresses, the above mentioned signs increase in severity to a point where the dog refuses to stand or walk. Cold, damp weather accentuates the clinical signs in most cases, not only because of the cold temperature, but also because of the barometric changes. As the disease progresses, bone spurs, or osteophytes, form and the bone under the cartilage becomes very hard. The most important consideration in the long-term treatment of arthritis is the Maintenance of Muscular Suppor t . These drugs should allow one to maintain the animal on normal exercise levels of walking, jogging or swimming.
Swimming is by far the best activity, as it allows maximum motion with minimal weight bearing.
Strenuous exercise is contraindicated. Obese dogs should be put on a reducing diet. This will be followed by very light activity as the long road towards complete rehabilitation is begun. Another treatment involves drugs that actually help heal the matrix of the damaged cartilage. These innovative drugs have revolutionized the treatment of arthritis when treatment begins before irreversible damage has been sustained.