It's been great to have some rain for the garden recently, but the return of the cold rainy weather means it is time to think about osteoarthritis in our pets. You may notice that your dogs are becoming a little stiff when they get up or that your cat no longer wants to jump. Maybe your pet is just sleeping more and we just think this is ‘old age’.
Animals often hide their discomfort and may already be in considerable pain once they actually start to show us signs of arthritis. Arthritis is caused by the reduced production of cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid and an increase in cartilage degradation in the joint. This effectively means a decrease in cushioning between the joints resulting in bones rubbing together, causing a low grade constant pain, swelling and reduced function of the joint.
There is no cure for arthritis however there are ways in which we can manage the disease to help maintain your pet's quality of life. There are four key ways in which we can approach treatment:
Regular gentle exercise can aid in maintaining good mobility, ideal weight and general health. Maintaining your pet at a healthy weight will relieve pressure on the joints. Cold weather can also reduce blood flow to the limbs, so keep your pet warm at night with bedding, coat or a heating pad. Jumping on and off a bed or out of a car can irritate joints, so provide a little step or ramp to help out.
There are two naturally occurring products proven to assist in treating the causes of osteoarthritis - glucosamine and chondroitin. These products are combined in a powder, capsule or treat form. There is no control of the quality of these products on the market as they are not classed as drugs so researching the reputable brands is important.
Pentosan polysulphate (more commonly known as Pentosan or Cartrophen) is given by injection under the skin. It has been shown to assist the treatment of arthritis and slow the progression of the disease by increasing blood supply to the joints and promoting healing. It is given once a week over a four week period and then monthly booster injections.
Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA in dogs and EPA in cats), have been proven to help with arthritic pain and inflammation when given at high doses. You can give fatty acids as part of a balanced diet - eg Hills J/D diet; or as a supplement such as suitable sized fish oil capsules.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to drugs to help with the pain of arthritis and involves inserting needles into specific points in the body for therapeutic purposes and to relieve pain. Hydrotherapy can also aid with pain relief and mobility. In the water, the body weight load on joints is reduced so activity and even weight loss is aided. Hydrotherapy/swimming is generally only practical for dogs!
Anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs for pain management can be prescribed for acute flare-ups or long term/end stage arthritis management. With all health issues, early intervention can assist with better management of this disease and help to alleviate pain that your pet may be experiencing.
If your call to us goes to voice mail, please leave your name, number, location and brief message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, email us at julia@ourpetmobilevet.com.au or via the form.