Arthritis in dogs can be an agonizing disease that shortens their lives and shortens the time you share together. Signs include limping, unwillingness to walk or play and other changes in behaviour.
Your vet rehab therapist can assist in managing pain and preventing further cartilage damage in your dog. He may also suggest a therapeutic diet plan to normalize weight and overall body condition.
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Prescription Medication
An integral component of treating dog arthritis is pain management. A veterinarian will prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are often utilized as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines in dogs. A range of NSAIDs approved for use include Meloxicam, Carprofen, Deracoxib (cimicoxib), Enflicoxib, Robenacoxib and Firocoxib. Grapiprant can also help block prostaglandins in order to decrease inflammatory pain levels.
gabapentin is an under-prescribed but effective solution to managing osteoarthritis pain. This medication targets chronic inflammation differently from traditional NSAIDs and complements them perfectly.
Signs that your pet may be suffering from arthritis can often be subtle and hard to detect. But one sure indicator is when they appear more tired than normal and seem reluctant to play or greet people.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, are an increasingly popular solution to treat canine arthritis. Products such as pills and chewable tablets as well as powders to mix into food contain ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids which all aid joint function.
These fatty acids may help to decrease inflammation and lubricate joints. Other ingredients, including green-lipped mussel and yucca, have also shown to offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help treat pain. They work by blocking cyclooxygenase enzyme, which produces prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. Recently, bedinvetmab, a monoclonal antibody treatment approved to manage osteoarthritis pain in dogs (Librela; Zoetis), has been FDA-approved. This medication works by binding with and blocking nerve growth factor activity which causes discomfort – potentially relieving pain caused by osteoarthritis pain in dogs (Librela; Zoetis).
Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates your dog’s body to release neurotransmitters, cytokines, and beta-endorphins which provide natural analgesia. Furthermore, acupuncture increases blood flow to treatment areas while improving oxygenation; aiding their healing.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for osteoarthritis dogs. Studies have confirmed this technique as more effective than using traditional approaches like NSAIDs or hydrotherapy alone, when combined with physical rehabilitation and hydrotherapy therapies.
Acupuncture therapy should not be seen as an immediate fix; you and your veterinarian should start out slowly by giving weekly sessions before gradually tapering off depending on your pet’s response and condition. But its effects are long-lasting; consider it as part of your dog’s arthritis treatment plan!
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation is an integral component of managing arthritis pain in dogs. Therapeutic exercises and manual techniques such as range of motion exercises, joint mobilisation and stretching help maintain mobility while decreasing inflammation.
Walking can be an ideal low-impact form of exercise for dogs with arthritis. Breaking it up into two or three short walks per day will keep them active without placing unnecessary stress on their joints.
Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate could also prove helpful for your dog with arthritis. These natural substances help rebuild cartilage while supporting healthy joints; you can find these supplements in many pet foods or get them through your veterinarian as a prescription.
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be beneficial in certain instances for dogs with arthritis, particularly if non-invasive therapies do not prove sufficient in alleviating pain and allowing affected animals to engage in activities they enjoy. Its goal is to enhance their quality of life while alleviating discomfort and permitting participation in activities they find satisfying.
Surgery can either prevent or treat the root cause of arthritis. This may include various procedures like arthroscopy, which involves extracting damaged cartilage or bone fragments and realigning the joint to alter weight-bearing focus; hip replacement; joint fusion in hock joints or carpus (wrist) joints; as well as joint replacement surgery or hip replacements.
Surgery should only be considered once all less invasive treatments have been exhausted and in conjunction with an holistic management plan to promote your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing.
