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ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

Well the cold times are here again, and maybe the poor old dog is having trouble getting going in the morning. Chances are it is not due to laziness, but it is in fact arthritis!

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease condition that affects joints either individually or generally. The cartilage lining of the joints wears down and the lubricating oil in the joint is less than it should be.

What are the signs of arthritis?

In dogs, arthritis is particularly common in the hips and knees, especially in older dogs of the bigger breeds. The following brief questionnaire may help to assess your dog for signs of osteoarthritis.

  • Difficulty rising from a resting position
  • Difficulty climbing steps
  • Limping
  • Lying down or resting more than normal
  • Reluctant to exercise for as long as usual
  • Laziness or lack of desire to play or walk
  • Experiencing a change in behaviour
  • Decreased appetite

If your answer is "yes" to any of the above questions, then ask us to examine your dog for osteoarthritis and provide advice on treatment options.

Weight control and nutrition are important factors in managing osteoarthritis.

Obesity can contribute to canine osteoarthritis. If a joint is not working efficiently, carrying excess weight causes both additional pain and increased joint damage.

Appropriate nutrition can help to maintain your dog’s ideal weight.

Try the following tips for controlling dietary intake and body weight:

  • Refrain from over-feeding young dogs
  • Check with your vet before adding dietary supplements
  • Feed your dog smaller portions of less-fattening foods
  • Cut out any "extras"

See also...
Obesity in Pets
Senior Pets

How physical activity may aid the management of osteoarthritis

Exercise may be beneficial in the management of osteoarthritis as it can:

  • Prevent obesity and maintain muscle mass
  • Improve strength and range of motion
  • Reduce the need for the use of analgesics
  • Keep joints and muscles free in movement (joints that do not move regularly may stiffen, causing your dog to become less active)

Exercise may take the form of walks on the leash or more varied types of recreation. Even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial. Depending on your dog’s condition, frequent gentle walks may be of more benefit than highly energetic activities.

Can arthritis be treated?

Generally speaking most people don't think there is anything that can be done for arthritis. Well, the good news is that we can help! There are a number of treatments that can be used for arthritis, some with limitations.

We routinely X-ray cases before therapy to make sure the dog is actually suffering from arthritis and not other problems e.g. infection in the bones of the lumbar spine, slipped disc or even cancer.

We also recommend trying Pentosan, Cartrophen, or Sasha's Blend as the first type of treatment to try. They have had very good success rates in up to 8 out of every 10 dogs!

What are Pentosan, Sasha's blend and Cartrophen?

These products are naturally occurring plant substance that are given as either an injection, powder or tablets. They are used to encourage the joints to produce more synovial (joint) fluid and therefore lubricate the joints making them more movable. They work in the same way as shark cartilage and glucosamine in humans.

Pentosan and Cartrophen are repeated once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Sasha's Blend is a powder placed in the food each day.

A large percentage of dogs treated with Pentosan, Cartrophen, or Sasha's Blend improve significantly, some become like a young pup again. When Pentosan or Cartrophen work well, the results usually last from 3-6 months. Because it lasts so long, giving a course prior to the cold winter weather would be beneficial.

Failing Pentosan, Cartrophen or Sasha's Blend we look at using none steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) e.g. Carprofen, Previcox, Zubrin. These drugs are much more powerful and provide excellent pain relief. They can be expensive though.

Dogs must be blood tested before we use NSAID's to make sure their liver and kidneys are in top shape for these drugs. Once started, regular blood tests on their liver and kidneys are done to make sure all is ok.

Some vets use a combination of a NSAID with Pentosan, Cartrophen, or Sasha's Blend.