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What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a syndrome in which gradual changes in the joints lead to pain and dysfunction of the limbs. This disease can result from congenital problems such as elbow or hip dysplasia, from trauma or Injury, or simply from the normal aging process. Osteoarthritis can affect any dog at any age, but is most common in older large-breed dogs. Excess body weight can also greatly contribute to the problem.
Unfortunately, once osteoarthritis begins, it can continue in a "vicious circle" and become more and more severe. The pain in the joints causes the dog to exercise less and use a decreased range of motion. As a result, the muscles surrounding the affected Joints lose strength and the joint therefore has less support from the surrounding tissue. This leads to excessive stretching of the joint ligaments and the joint becomes more instable. As the joint moves abnormally, the cartilage surfaces In the joint experience excessive "wear and tear" and become damaged and inflamed. This leads to fluid and swelling in the joint, stretching and scarring of the joint capsule, and the cycle continues with more pain, more muscle loss, more cartilage and joint damage, and so on.
How is Osteoarthritis treated?
Once the process of osteoarthritis begins it cannot be completely cured, but treatments and therapies are aimed at maintaining the health of the joints as much as possible, preventing further damage and relieving pain. Due to a tremendous amount of advertising and public awareness campaigns by drug companies more people are aware of canine osteoarthritis and have heard of many of the treatments available, but all the information can be very confusing. Below we have a listing and description of the types of therapies available. The doctor will recommend what is best for your pet based on age, size, severity of disease, and other factors. In addition to the therapies below, all dogs with osteoarthritis benefit tremendously with weight and exercise control.
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CHONDROPROTECTANTS (such as Cosequin): Chondroprotectants are medications or supplements which work to maintain cartilage health. These types of supplements commonly include glucosamine, chondrotin, and possibly vitamins or other components. These products work by minimizing cartilage damage and swelling, enhancing new cartilage production, and Increasing joint lubrication. Do remember that most of these products are considered nutritional supplements and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so there is great variability in the cost and effectiveness of the products on the market. Our clinic has found good success with Cosequin, which Is a high-quality supplement available only from your veterinarian. |
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ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES (such as Rimadyl): In the last several years many new and effective non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs have been developed for dogs with osteoarthritis. These drugs are typically prescribed in cases of more chronic or severe pain. These drugs work by decreasing the Inflammation and swelling in the joint, and as a result pain is reduced. However, there is a trade-off: these drugs do not Increase joint health and can actually slow or halt the production of new cartilage.
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ACUPUNCTURE AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: More and more pet owners are turning to alternative therapies for relief of many conditions, especially chronic pain conditions such as canine osteoarthritis. At our clinic, Dr. Mark Werner has received full training In acupuncture and many of our patients have been greatly helped by these techniques. Also, there are natural supplements that can be recommended for relief of arthritis pain. We have had many patients with arthritis who responded dramatically to acupuncture and could even reduce or eliminate other medications. Of course, as with any medication or treatment, the response is variable depending on the patient and progress of the disease. We are very pleased to be able to offer these services at our clinic. |
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SURGERY: In some specific types of joint conditions, surgery may be a necessary part of the treatment plan. Osteoarthritis can be secondary to many underlying problems such as hip dysplasia, bone fractures or fragments in the joint due to injury, rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee, or luxating patellas (kneecaps). These types of problems typically must be repaired surgically to restore the joint to health and minimize the secondary osteoarthritis. Most of these orthopedic surgeries can be performed at our clinic, but some would be performed by specialists. |
Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns regarding your pet or treatment options. Thank you!
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