Arthritis: The degenerative, progressive and permanent deterioration of the articular cartilage of joints.
- 1 in 5 pets (dogs AND cats) suffer from arthritis in their life time. Generally older pets.
Prevention:
- Weight management is essential.
- Regular short amounts of low impact exercise – especially for young dogs (<18months).
- Correct genetics and conformation (ask for breeders for hips score and elbow score of parents)
- Correct diet – especially for growing puppies
Early symptoms:
- Reduced activity
- Stiff gait
- Intermittent lameness
- Difficulty rising
- Unwilling to jump into car / go up stairs
Advanced symptoms:
- Depressed
- Aggressive when touched
- Permanent lameness
Non Surgical treatment:
- Disease Modifying osteo-arthritic drugs (DMOAD’s)
- Pentosan Polysulphate injections and Omega 3’s repair damaged tissue and support joint health
- Weight management
- Slows progression and lessens clinical signs of disease
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stronger painkillers to use in conjunction with the above mentioned medications.
