Canine Arthritis: Causality, Behavioural Changes, Treatments including Rhus Tox benefits.

Canine arthritis and joint problems are a very common issue for dogs with it affecting 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years. Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints; osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint.  There are multiple causes of arthritis in dogs with the most common being age related wear and tear. However, it can also result from injury of ligaments or bones, genetic conditions (hip and elbow dysplasia), genetic predisposition  and deformities of joints caused by either too much or not enough exercise during puppy and adolescents. Obesity is also an influential factor on joint conditions and the development of issues. Symptoms can present a variety of physical and behavioural forms. Discomfort when touching affected joints, lameness, gait changes, muscle wastage and tiredness are some physical attributes. Irritability, disinterest in walking or playing, reactivity at being touched are some behavioural changes that may present.

Joint issues, dysplasia,arthritis and osteoarthritis all affect a dog’s wellbeing. This can be both in relation to physical and mental aspects of their life.  Chronic pain alongside movement degeneration can affect the dogs’ ability to carry out daily activities, such as playing and walking. Due to the progressive nature of Osteoarthritis dog’s can potentially become lame which dramatically reduces overall quality of life. Psychological symptoms can present due to the pain/discomfort as well as the removal/reduction of daily activities. Inactivity can lead to loss of interest, anxiety, frustration and even depression which affects the emotional wellbeing of the dog (Ostermeier, unspecified). 

These conditions can cause behavioural changes for a variety of reasons. Emotional changes can include withdrawal, lowered interest in interacting with people and dogs due to their discomfort from the joint inflammation. These symptoms may go unnoticed initially as they may be subtle initially . The inability to play or exercise especially in previously active dogs can cause depression as previously stated. Pain is highly linked with aggression lead behaviours. If being touched causes discomfort they may present defensive/aggressive behaviours upon being touched by people/animals or if their personal space is entered. Behaviour may change in relation to eating and drinking if they are having issues if their bowls are on the floor; This may be seen as fussy eating/food avoidance but it is caused by physical discomfort.     

Veterinary consultations should occur in relation to the presentation of theses symptoms. Diagnosis of conditions can only be carried out by a licensed veterinary practitioner. The grade and pain level assessment associated with Osteoarthritis/joint issues need to be conducted to establish an appropriate treatment plan.A form of a LOAD (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) questionnaire which is a 13 item clinical metrology instrument used to establish presence of conditions and impact of dogs life.  Pharmaceutical medications such as NSAIDs may be prescribed to ease inflammation as well as pain relief. Health checks including weight can be addressed in relation to the attributing factors of these conditions. Complementary treatments can also be discussed in a referral. 

Various complementary therapies may aid in the alleviation of discomfort and the improvement of the dogs overall wellbeing. Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture are all proven to assist in joint related conditions. Due to hydrotherapy’s water base it is ideal to help weight loss, increase  range of motion whilst limiting stress on the joints themself. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve range of movement and increase muscle mass reducing risk of further injury. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, enhance healing whilst releasing endorphins aiding pain relief: increasing movement and range of motions. Homeopathy is another complementary therapy which can be used alongside the therapies previously stated. 

Traditional medicinal treatments in the form of herbal/ natural remedies which are created using plants and plant extracts have been used throughout history. They typically are either consumed or applied to the body. Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine which has become more widely used in canine treatments of diseases and ailments. The use of Rhus Tox (Rhus toxicodendron)  is one common form of a homeopathic remedy. Rhus Tox is derived from Poison Ivy. It is typically available in either liquid or pill form to be ingested or topical form of cream.  Alongside other homeopathic remedies it is important to get the potency correct in order to help with the specific ailment: consultation of a holistic vet should occur to ensure accuracy of dosage.

The medicinal benefits of Rhus Tox have been linked to anti-inflammatory attributes including relieving arthritic discomfort. Research has shown that using Homeopathic dilution of Rhus Tox regulates inflammation by increasing Cyclooxyganse-2 (COX-2) and decreasing Nitrous Oxide (NO) generation. It has been linked to easing conditions which involve initial stiffness upon rising but ease with movement: Back pain, arthritis, strained and pulled muscles. Other benefits include easing symptoms that are worse in cold/damp conditions in relation to stiffness and pain).  Rhus tox has also has benefits as a follow up treatment from Arnica Montana post injury. 

There are multiple studies and articles in relation to homeopathic benefits of Rhus Tox. The majority of research focuses on its anti-inflammatory abilities in relation to a spectrum of conditions; osteoarthritis, osteosarcoma and otohematoma are just some examples. Valle et al. (2020) carried out a case study of the effects of injectable homoeopathy to treat Otohematoma in a 10 year old mix-breed dog. Their study involved the use of an ultra diluted homeopathic solution used alongside two other homeopathic remedies (H.Virginiana and Belles Perenis drops). They found that after 11 days the swelling was completely resolved and no recurrence happened within a 40 day period. This study corroborated findings from previous studies which stated the anti-inflammatory attributes of Rhus Tox. Their conclusion was that this is a successful homeopathic treatment for the very common condition of aural hematoma (otohematoma).   

Due to this founded anti-inflammatory ability many homoeopathic veterinary practitioners recommend it as part of their holistic care,  including Charles Loops. Rhus Tox is highly recommended for treating dogs which are suffering from joint stiffness, hip dysplasia and arthritis/osteoarthritis. Lower potencies are recommended for treatments in relation to arthritis or which benefits should be observed within a week. Due to its multiple uses Rhus Tox can also be used to help ease muscle strains and pain thus relieving discomfort and potentially associated behavioural issues caused by the discomfort. 

It is important to remember that veterinary consultation should occur when looking to utilise homeopathic remedies to ensure dosage and application methods  are appropriate (due to some toxicity risks) as well as if any other medications are administered to the dog in question. In my opinion natural, complementary remedies should be an option for people in relation to treating their dog as long as they are explained thoroughly and an appropriate practitioner is consulted.