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May 2015 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
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a cascade of inflammatory changes
occurs, eventually leading to destruction of the cartilage and subsequent
damage to the underlying bone.
Cartilage contains no nerves – if your
pet is showing any signs of pain, the
damage and changes in underlying
bone have already begun.
Signs of arthritis
include:
• Reluctance to take walks of usual
length
• Stiffness (that may disappear once
the pet has ‘warmed up’)
• Difficulty climbing stairs, climbing
in the car, on the bed or a sofa
• Difficulty rising from rest
• Limping
• Abnormal gait
• Licking of a single joint
• Acting withdrawn, spending less
time playing with family (which is
often misunderstood as a sign of
‘aging’)
• Soreness when touched
• Rarely, aggression when touched
or approached
PET HEALTH
Exactly what can I do?
What Can I Do About My Pet’s Arthritis?
By Dr. Kimberly Sears, Village Animal Hospital
Key points
• Signs of osteoarthritis may be
subtle and easy to miss
• Early treatment is critical to slow
progression of the disease
• Maintaining lean body weight
is absolutely critical for arthritic
patients
• Newer concepts of arthritis management involve proper exercise
to maintain muscle mass and
decrease pain
• Structure-modifying agents are
most effective when started early
and maintained long term
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
and analgesic drugs, acupuncture,
and physical therapy may be recommended for later stages of the
disease
• Holistic options available like laser
therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic
care and physical therapy.
Exactly what is
Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenera-
tive disease that may affect any joint
but is commonly found in a pet’s hip,
elbow, shoulder, stifle (knee), carpus
(wrist), hock (ankle) or intervertebral
joints (in the spine). It occurs when
cartilage in the joint is damaged, either
following a traumatic event or with
wear and tear that increases in athletic
animals, obese animals, or when the
joint is congenitally abnormal.
Cartilage decreases joint stress by
reducing impact on the ends of the
bones in joints, like a gelatinous shock
absorber. When cartilage is damaged,
Working with animals requires
patience, understanding, and,
above all, compassion; both for
the animal and for
their owners
(859) 252-4917
www.villageanimalhospital.net
1801 Alexandria Dr., Suite 180 • Lexington, KY 40504
• Weight Reduction: Ask your
doctor about your pet’s body
condition score (BCS), which
should be normal (5/9) or slightly
underweight (4/9). If your pet is
overweight, discuss a weight loss
diet with your veterinarian.
• Controlled Exercise: Low-impact
exercise is best; swimming or
walking through shallow water
is ideal. Leash walking and controlled jogging are also acceptable.
• Nutraceuticals: Synergistic combinations of nutraceuticals such as
glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate
contain compounds that support
cartilage structure, prevent further
deterioration, suppress inflammation, and reduce free radical
damage.
• Injectable Chondroprotective
Agent: Talk to your veterinarian