As our pets age, normal and abnormal wear and tear within their joints can start taking its toll and it’s estimated 40% of dogs are living with arthritis.
Arthritis is a progressive disease which cannot be cured. Fortunately, your veterinary team have several medical treatments available to effectively manage their pain.
- Beransa is a new easy-to-give monthly injection, which can be administered at our clinic as part of joint treatment. It blocks a key pain mediator and significantly reduces the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Pentosan injections are a great option as part of joint treatment. It aims to change the joint environment to promote healthier cartilage development, the production of thicker joint fluid and reducing enzymes that causes the progression of arthritis.
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) may also be considered. While these drugs are highly effective at reducing inflammation and pain, they also come with side effects and in some cases due to other medical issues they may not be suitable for use. Blood testing should be done prior to using anti-inflammatories to confirm normal liver and kidney function. These tests should be repeated at regular intervals to confirm that the NSAID are being tolerated by the body.
- Gabapentin may also be used in conjunction with other medications as its targets the nervous system, altering the transmission and strength of pain signals. This aspect makes it a good choice as part of a treatment plan for chronic pain.
Other ways to help keep your pet comfortable.
Around the house:
Provide well-padded bedding away from cold or damp drafts. (This will also help prevent the development of pressure-sores.) Carpeted or padded steps or a ramp to get on and off the bed or couch are great ideas. Non-slip flooring wherever surfaces are slippery is also very helpful. Outside, your dog may find a gently sloped ramp easier to negotiate than steps.
Supplementation:
Joint supplements are available to promote healthy cartilage and joint environment. These contain varying combinations of glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel and other chondroprotective substances.
This decision is best made with your veterinarian, taking into consideration factors such as diet and genetics/conformation (e.g., has a dog been diagnosed early on with hip or other joint abnormalities?). The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids are also of help in animals with arthritis. These are included in some canine arthritis diets.
Exercise:
Maintaining mobility through reasonable exercise is important regardless of a dog’s age and the extent of their arthritis. A dog with mild, early arthritis can and should get more exercise than an older dog with severe arthritis. Non-weight bearing exercise, like swimming is excellent if not contraindicated by other medical conditions.
Please contact your veterinarian to discuss the best approach for your pet.
