Arthritis - therapies and information

What Can I Do About My Pet’s Arthritis?

 Key points

• Signs of osteoarthritis may be subtle and easy to miss
• Early treatment is critical to slow progression of the disease
• Maintaining lean body weight  is absolutely critical for arthritic patients
• Proper exercise to maintain muscle mass and decrease pain
• Structure-modifying agents are most effective when started early and maintained long term
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, and physical therapy used at later stages of the disease

Exactly what is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that may affect any joint. It occurs when cartilage in the joint is damaged, either following a traumatic event or with wear and tear that increases in athletic animals, obese animals, or when the joint is congenitally abnormal.

Cartilage decreases joint stress by reducing impact on the ends of the bones in joints, like a gelatinous shock absorber.  When cartilage is damaged, a cascade of inflammatory changes occurs, eventually leading to destruction of the cartilage and subsequent damage to the underlying bone.

Signs of arthritis include:

• Reluctance to take walks of usual length
• Stiffness (may disappear once the pet has ‘warmed up’)
• Difficulty climbing stairs, into the car, on the bed or a sofa
• Difficulty rising from rest
• Limping
• Abnormal gait
• Licking of a single joint
• Acting withdrawn
• Soreness when touched, possibly causing agression

What can I do?

• Weight Reduction: Ask your doctor about your pet’s body condition score , if your pet is overweight, discuss a weight loss diet with your veterinarian.
• Controlled Exercise:  Low-impact exercise is best; swimming or walking through shallow water is ideal, as is leash walking.
• Nutraceuticals:  Glucosamine and Chondroitin contain compounds that support cartilage structure, and prevent further deterioration. These have been added to special joint diets.
• Injectable Chondroprotective Agent: Talk to your veterinarian about an injectable agent that may also help preserve cartilage in the joints.
• Acupuncture and Massage: Both of these therapies may provide additional non-drug pain control.
• Prescription Drugs: Drugs are available that can reduce inflammation and suppress pain in dogs with more advanced disease.  Side effects can be minimized by monitoring your dog’s blood work regularly.

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