Arthritis Management in Our Pets

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA or arthritis) is a chronic degenerative disease that may affect any joint, but it is most commonly found in your pet’s hip, elbow, shoulder, stifle (knee), carpus (wrist), hock (ankle), or spine. The cartilage in the joint becomes damaged from wear and tear, trauma, from an abnormally formed joint, and obesity.

Cartilege acts as a shock absorber on the ends of bones in a joint. It has no nerves, so when your pet starts showing pain, damage to cartilage has already been done resulting in changes to the underlying bone. When cartilage breaks down, it initiates a cascade of inflammatory changes in the joint.

Signs of arthritis include stiffness (which improves as the pet “warms up”), difficulty rising from laying down, reluctance to walk usual distances, difficulty climbing stairs or jumping on and off furniture, less interactive with playmates and family members, painful when touched, and lower tolerance predisposing patient to biting behaviors.

What pets are affected by osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is not restricted to large breed dogs. Most domestic and non-domestic species of animals may be affected by osteoarthritis. Believe it or not, 90% of cats suffer from osteoarthritis!

What therapies are available for osteoarthritis?

There are many effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Check out this list of possible solutions:

• Weight reduction
• Controlled, low impact exercise and physical therapy
• Nutraceuticals – glucosamine/chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, UC II, Green-lipped Mussel Extract, MSM
• Injectable Chondroprotective Agent – Adequan
• Class IV Therapeutic Laser
• Massage and Acupuncture
• Prescription Drugs – Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), gabapentin, tramadol, and others. AVOID USING HUMAN OTC AND PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS IN YOUR PET UNLESS ADVISED BY YOUR VETERINARIAN.
• Cannabinoids – CBD oil, CBD treats

For more information, please give us a call at (585) 394-2288.