Arthritis, which affects many dogs and cats, simply means inflammation of one or more joints in the body. Arthritis can develop due to a genetic deformity of bones or joints from birth (eg. hip dysplasia) or as a result of injury, disease or normal wear and tear. It is an extremely common disease and it is estimated that up to 80% of senior pets are affected. Being a progressive disease it is more commonly seen in older animals.
Osteoarthritis is the main type of arthritis seen in cats and dogs. It is a degenerative type of arthritis in which the cartilage lining the joint becomes eroded exposing the bone and other joint structures to damage.
Being able to tell if your pet has arthritis isn’t always straightforward. Some pets show obvious signs such as limping, stiffness or unwillingness to jump. However in some animals, especially cats, the signs can be more subtle, such as sleeping more, landing untidily from jumps, less grooming and self-care, increased aggression or other behavioural changes. During an examination we are often able to feel swelling, pain and decreased range of movement in the joint. Unfortunately we are not always able to detect inflammation of joints, as some animals will always resent their joints being handled regardless of pain and some will hold their limbs so stiffly that the range of motion cannot be assessed. A diagnosis of arthritis is confirmed by taking an x-ray. Even when arthritis is strongly suspected an x-ray is a good idea as it allows us to determine the extent and severity of the arthritis and can rule out bone tumours or other problems causing similar clinical signs.
Treatment:
Osteoarthritis is generally considered an incurable disease. Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, as well as slowing down the wear and tear and the progression of the disease.
There are several ways that this can be addressed, and we find that a multi-modal approach to therapy is generally most effective. However every case responds differently, and in some instances there may be some trial-and-error approach before we find how best to help the pet.
Some options treatment include:
· General physical care (warmth, weight, exercise)
· Specific dietary care
· Dietary supplements
· Injectable disease modifying medication
· Anti-inflammatory anti pain therapy
· Surgery
· Acupuncture
1. General physical care. Warmth and avoidance of draft with improved
bedding can make a difference to your pet’s quality of life. Keeping your
pet slim is hugely important; the affected joints will function much better if
they are carrying less weight. Daily walking on the lead for half to one
hour improves mobility of the diseased joints. Avoid concussing, damaging
exercises like jumping, chasing, and climbing lots of steps.
2. Specific dietary care Some pet foods are designed specifically for animals
with arthritis. They are balanced diets containing many of the supplements
listed below. They work best when fed as the sole diet. Unfortunately
there is nothing available for cats.
3. Dietary Supplements. There are a huge number of products available.
Some improve cartilage health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin
(derived from shark cartilage or NZ green-lipped mussel). Others have
more of an antiinflammatory effect such as flaxseed oil and fish oil. We
often find that antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help. Finally there are
many herbal preparations that have been used effectively to help alleviate
arthritis. There are many products on the market that contain multiple
products in one formulation.
4. Injectable, disease modifying medication. This is a unique product that
helps to rebuild cartilage and improve the joint environment. It involves a
course of four weekly injections, and has been used by us for many years
with great success with both cats and dogs.
5. Anti-inflammatory anti pain medications. These drugs act symptomatically
to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and improve the pet’s quality of
life. It is recommended that a blood test be performed before starting on
any of these drugs. Long-term use can sometimes be associated with
adverse side effects. There are regular new advances in this field, the most
recent being a product specifically designed for long-term use in cats.
6. Acupuncture can sometimes be effective in relieving pain in the affecte joints.
7. Surgery. If the arthritis is caused by an abnormality that can be surgically
corrected or altered, surgery may be performed. This is, however, not
very often the case.
For details on any of the above modalities of treatment or for more information about osteoarthritis, please feel free to contact us at Caulfield South Veterinary Clinic on
9528 2525. We have handouts and product brochures, and are more than happy to discuss and advise.
It is worth remembering that while we cannot cure arthritis, there is a lot we can do to alleviate pain and discomfort and minimize the
crippling effects. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment leads to a rapid relief and improvement of quality of life. Which allows us to enjoy our pets company and health for many more years.
Being able to tell if your pet has arthritis isn’t always straightforward. Some pets show obvious signs such as limping, stiffness or unwillingness to jump. However in some animals, especially cats, the signs can be more subtle, such as sleeping more, landing untidily from jumps, less grooming and self-care, increased aggression or other behavioural changes. During an examination we are often able to feel swelling, pain and decreased range of movement in the joint. Unfortunately we are not always able to detect inflammation of joints, as some animals will always resent their joints being handled regardless of pain and some will hold their limbs so stiffly that the range of motion cannot be assessed. A diagnosis of arthritis is confirmed by taking an x-ray. Even when arthritis is strongly suspected an x-ray is a good idea as it allows us to determine the extent and severity of the arthritis and can rule out bone tumours or other problems causing similar clinical signs.
Treatment:
Osteoarthritis is generally considered an incurable disease. Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, as well as slowing down the wear and tear and the progression of the disease.
There are several ways that this can be addressed, and we find that a multi-modal approach to therapy is generally most effective. However every case responds differently, and in some instances there may be some trial-and-error approach before we find how best to help the pet.
Some options treatment include:
· General physical care (warmth, weight, exercise)
· Specific dietary care
· Dietary supplements
· Injectable disease modifying medication
· Anti-inflammatory anti pain therapy
· Surgery
· Acupuncture
1. General physical care. Warmth and avoidance of draft with improved
bedding can make a difference to your pet’s quality of life. Keeping your
pet slim is hugely important; the affected joints will function much better if
they are carrying less weight. Daily walking on the lead for half to one
hour improves mobility of the diseased joints. Avoid concussing, damaging
exercises like jumping, chasing, and climbing lots of steps.
2. Specific dietary care Some pet foods are designed specifically for animals
with arthritis. They are balanced diets containing many of the supplements
listed below. They work best when fed as the sole diet. Unfortunately
there is nothing available for cats.
3. Dietary Supplements. There are a huge number of products available.
Some improve cartilage health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin
(derived from shark cartilage or NZ green-lipped mussel). Others have
more of an antiinflammatory effect such as flaxseed oil and fish oil. We
often find that antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help. Finally there are
many herbal preparations that have been used effectively to help alleviate
arthritis. There are many products on the market that contain multiple
products in one formulation.
4. Injectable, disease modifying medication. This is a unique product that
helps to rebuild cartilage and improve the joint environment. It involves a
course of four weekly injections, and has been used by us for many years
with great success with both cats and dogs.
5. Anti-inflammatory anti pain medications. These drugs act symptomatically
to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and improve the pet’s quality of
life. It is recommended that a blood test be performed before starting on
any of these drugs. Long-term use can sometimes be associated with
adverse side effects. There are regular new advances in this field, the most
recent being a product specifically designed for long-term use in cats.
6. Acupuncture can sometimes be effective in relieving pain in the affecte joints.
7. Surgery. If the arthritis is caused by an abnormality that can be surgically
corrected or altered, surgery may be performed. This is, however, not
very often the case.
For details on any of the above modalities of treatment or for more information about osteoarthritis, please feel free to contact us at Caulfield South Veterinary Clinic on
9528 2525. We have handouts and product brochures, and are more than happy to discuss and advise.
It is worth remembering that while we cannot cure arthritis, there is a lot we can do to alleviate pain and discomfort and minimize the
crippling effects. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment leads to a rapid relief and improvement of quality of life. Which allows us to enjoy our pets company and health for many more years.