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Recognizing Arthritis
One of
the most common causes of impaired mobility is arthritis. Arthritis is an
inflammatory condition causing degeneration of the joints. As arthritis worsens,
movement becomes increasingly more painful for pets. Bones and joints most
commonly affected are the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and spine. - Injury - Obesity - Normal aging - Excessive physical activity - Inherited developmental abnormalities of the bones and joints Recognizing pain can be difficult. Learning to recognize the signs of pain is the first step in treatment for your arthritic pet. Individual animals exhibit pain differently. Often they try to hide their pain, and seldom complain until they are in extreme discomfort. Early treatment of pain and inflammation helps control the progression of arthritis and allows your pet to remain comfortable longer. It is important to remember that arthritis is a disease that cannot be cured, only managed. SIGNS OF PAIN INCLUDE:
THE NEXT STEP: Schedule an examination with your veterinarian. Diagnosis may depend on results from the physical exam and radiographs. These steps are necessary to take to ensure that an injury is not being overlooked. Once a diagnosis can be made, treatment of the arthritis can begin. Managing Arthritis The management of arthritis usually involves multiple methodologies. These Include: LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT 1. Rest - During acute flare-ups. Total disuse, however, can worsen muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. Gentle, passive range of motion exercises can be beneficial. 2. Heat - Very beneficial in relieving muscle spasm and pain. You can use heating pads, wheat bags, etc, but ensure the heat is not excessive. Apply around the joint for 10 minute intervals, several times daily. 3. Exercise - Rest during acute flare-ups. Use moderate self-regulated activity during remission. Do not allow overexertion as a dog will often not feel its limitations...until later. Swimming is excellent as it is non-weight bearing and promotes a good range of motion to reduce joint capsule adhesions. 4. Diet - Overweight animals should be on a weight loss program. Diets formulated especially for joint mobility include Hill's j/d diet for dogs. New research shows that Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in fish oil, can help maintain joint function. Canine j/d® has a unique formula with high levels of EPA. It also contains glucosamine and chondrotin sulfate, which provide building blocks for healthy cartilage, and L-carnitine, which helps maintain optimum body weight. CHONDROPROTECTIVE AGENTS These are nutrients that prevent damage to joint tissue and help to reverse joint damage and osteoarthritis. 1. Glucosamine - With or without chrondrotin and MSN. 2. Recovery® and Sasha's Blend® - contain key ingredients along with vitamins and minerals for joint health. 3.Cartrophen Vet® - contains anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties and is given as a series of injections. 4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (flax or fish oil) - one to three capsules daily (only fish oil to be given to cats). ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES 1. Metacam ®, Tolfedine®, and Deramaxx® are veterinary approved anti-inflammatories that can be given on a daily basis for long-term care. DO NOT USE IBUPROFEN (ADVIL®) OR ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL®) AS THEY ARE TOXIC TO YOUR PET! ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture can benefit arthritic pets by: -increasing blood flow -relieving muscle spasms -causing the release of hormones such as endorphins and cortisol which are the body's own pain relievers and anti-inflammatories |
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