With the colder, wetter months descending on us, there are certain conditions that are more prevalent. Osteoarthritis is very common in middle age to older dogs and cats and the symptoms of this disease are most obvious when our weather is at its worst.
Arthritis is a progressive degenerative disease of the joint that causes changes within the joint where the cartilage degenerates. The area thickens and there is a decrease in quality and quantity of joint fluid. This leads to pain and inflammation within the joint.
The symptoms of the disease for dogs include:
- Lameness
- Reluctance to jump / go for walks
- Abnormal gait / stiffness after rest
- Swelling of the joint
- Lagging behind during walks
- Panting
- Unusual aggressive behaviour
In cats:
- Decreased activity
- Inability to jump
- Eliminating outside the litter tray
- Limping
- Aggression when handled
In general arthritis is more prevalent in older, heavier animals. Certain breeds due to their conformation are more prone to arthritis including Labradors, Dobermans, Rottweilers and larger breeds. Cats include Himalayan, Persian and Siamese.
Management can make a huge difference to the quality of life in animals with this affliction.
- Exercise – controlled exercise such as walking on a lead or swimming are important in maintaining supple joints. Jumping is not recommenced as it can be painful and exacerbate the condition.
- Warmth – keeping your pet warm in winter such as with a comfortable bed, warm coat or providing a heated environment.
- Weight – keeping the pet at a healthy weigh helps decrease the pressure on the diseased joints.
- Medications and Supplements - we are lucky that we have many things that are effective in managing osteoarthritis.
Natural substances such as omega-3 oils, rosehip oil powder, glucosamine, vitamin C and turmeric can all help with osteoarthritis.
A lot of these are combined in products such as joint gard and sasha’s blend.
Zydax is an injection which helps cartilage health and joint fluid production by increasing blood flow to the cartilage within the joint. This tends to lubricate the joint and dilute inflammatory mediators decreasing pain and aiding mobility.
Hills j/d and Royal Canin’s mobility support diets are specifically formulated to aid mobility in affected animals.
Conventional anti -inflammatory medications used strategically can significantly improve the quality of life of our aged friends. However, they can have side effects, so it is wise to assess kidney and liver function prior to using these long term. Most need to be given with food to minimise the risk of stomach ulceration.
GABA and Tramadol are safe, effective pain relief medications that can be used in combination with anti-inflammatories and each other.
ANTINOL is an extract that is derived from the Green Lipped muscle which has anti-inflammatory properties without any side effects.
There are many management options to maximise your pet’s quality of life. If you suspect your dog or cat has osteoarthritis then consult your Veterinarian to work out a strategy that works best for both you and your pet.
Author: Dr Rob Schaeche