The bursa or synovial membrane is a bag-like structure that surrounds the synovial joints, which can become inflamed and give rise to a process known as bursitis. Bursitis usually produces obvious symptoms of joint pain and swelling, which allows caregivers to detect this process easily. However, its definitive diagnosis requires a correct orthopedic examination carried out by a veterinary professional. For this reason, remember the importance of going to your trusted veterinarian as soon as possible whenever you detect any sign of joint pain.
If you want to know more about bursitis in dogs, its treatment and causes, join us in the next article on our site at that we detail the diagnosis and symptoms of this joint pathology.
What is bursitis in dogs?
A bursa or synovial bursa is a bag-like structure, covered by a synovial membrane and filled with synovial fluid, which is locates between two joint surfaces to provide cushioning to bones, tendons, and muscles during movement.
When the synovial bursa is affected by an inflammatory process, it is called bursitis. In these cases, the synovial membrane thickens and an excess of fluid is produced, which causes pain at the level of the involved joint. Synovial bursae are highly irrigated and innervated structures, hence injuries involving them are especially painful.
Although it can appear in any breed, it is especially frequent in large and giant breeds, such as the Great Dane or the Dalmatian. In addition, despite the fact that it is a pathology that can affect any synovial joint, we must point out that elbow bursitis is especially frequent in dogs
Symptoms of bursitis in dogs
Bursitis is an easy process for most caregivers to detect, as it causes fairly obvious signs. In dogs with bursitis it is common to observe:
- Pain at the level of the affected joint: observed pain both on palpation and on movement of the joint.
- Limp.
- Swelling at the level of the affected joint.
- Decreased range of motion at the level of the affected joint.
Causes of bursitis in dogs
Bursitis typically develops as a consequence of trauma to the joints, both blunt trauma and repetitive minor trauma. These traumas tend to occur frequently:
- When dogs let themselves fall onto a hard surface when lying down.
- In dogs that practice sports such as Agility: since when they jump over obstacles they drop all their body weight on the forelimbs. Hence, elbow bursitis in dogs is especially common. If you want to know how to get started in Agility, take a look at this post that we recommend.
Although repeated trauma is the most common cause of bursitis, it can also occur as a result of weight overload of a limbwhen the contralateral is affected by any other cause.
For example, a dog with a fracture in a forelimb must bear all its weight on the contralateral limb, which causes local stress at the level of this limb as a result of weight overload, which may in these cases bursitis can develop.
Diagnosis of bursitis in dogs
As explained above, bursitis often causes symptoms that are usually easily detected by caregivers. In the face of any sign of joint pain, it is important that you go to your trusted veterinarian so that they can carry out a correct diagnostic protocol and establish early treatment.
Specifically, the diagnosis of bursitis in dogs should include:
- Orthopedic examination: lameness or claudication will be observed, pain in the affected joint and decreased range of joint movement.
- Ultrasound: Under normal conditions, the synovial bursa is not usually seen on ultrasound. However, in cases of bursitis, the thickened synovial membrane and the distended bursa with the presence of fluid inside can be observed. If you want to know how an ultrasound for dogs works, don't hesitate to read this post.
- MRI: In cases where ultrasound is not available, diagnostic MRI may be used. However, ultrasound is always the first method of choice, as it does not require patient sedation, is non-invasive, fast, effective and low cost.
Treatment of bursitis in dogs
The treatment of bursitis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the process and the presence or absence of complications.
- Mild bursitis: usually treated with compression bandages, anti-inflammatory drugs(usually NSAIDs), rest and cryotherapy (cold). In some cases, an antibiotic is added prophylactically, to prevent infection.
- Moderate bursitis: usually require drainage of synovial fluidPerforming a fine needle puncture, combined with a pressure bandage. It is essential to carry out this procedure in perfect aseptic conditions, to avoid the inoculation of germs that cause an infection and complicate the process.
- Severe bursitis or those complicated by infection, ulceration, etc.: require a surgical treatment based on surgical excision of the synovial bursa.
Once the different therapeutic options have been explained, you may be wondering how long it takes to heal bursitis in dogs As you can imagine, the healing process will vary depending on the severity of the pathology and the effectiveness of the established treatment, although it is normal for it to vary from several weeks to several months
Prevention of bursitis in dogs
The prevention of bursitis should be based on the following points:
- Avoiding repeated trauma to joints – It is important to provide dogs with soft, cushioned surfaces to rest on. Inside the home, it is advisable to offer dogs beds, cushions, rugs or carpets in their rest areas. Outside, hard floors, asph alt or cement, should be avoided, grass or sand being preferable to reduce daily impact and thus reduce joint stress.
- Warm-up exercises before competition: in dogs that practice sports such as Agility, a previous warm-up period of between 5 and 15 minutes, doing a light jog. After warming up it is advisable to practice active stretching exercises to prepare the joints for movement.
