Manage your pet’s pain With Osteoarthritis

Pain is a multi-dimensional and uniquely individual experience for animals, so learn about what works best for them.
Learn about arthritis
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The impact of chronic pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) really can be what I’ve termed a silent killer because when it robs patients of their life quality… that loss of well-being is often the motivating concern that will cause a dog owner to begin to consider end of life decision or perhaps pursue euthanasia.
– Dr. Ross Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVS

CHRONIC PAIN IMPACTS

  • Gait and movement
  • Sleep
  • Cognitive function
  • Social relationships
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RECOGNISE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Reduced mobility
Reduced mobility
weight gain icon - scale
Weight gain
changes in behaviour, angry dog
Changes in behaviour (aggression)
interrupted sleep icon sleeping dog
Interrupted sleep
less interaction with other pets
Less interaction with you and other pets

Decreased quality of life

3.

Nutraceuticals

1.

Exercise/Rehab

4.

Proactive Management of pain

2.

Weight control

The steps to proactive management

Foundational to osteoarthritis treatment is the proactive management of pain over the course of the disease to help ensure success of implementing other supportive care.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to pain and progressive degeneration of the joint1.It affects many aspects of a dog’s life including limited mobility, painful joints and a poor quality of life. Signs can often be subtle and dogs will rarely yelp, cry or vocalise the pain they are experiencing. It is therefore important to look out for signs like limping, slowing down on walks, slow to rise and difficulty jumping.

Reference:

1. Johnston SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology and pathobiology. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract 1997;27:699-723.

 

While many cases of osteoarthritis occur in older, overweight and larger breed dogs, the condition can affect dogs of all sizes, ages and  breeds. Many cases go  undiagnosed because owners assume slowing down is a natural symptom of getting older

Although the disease cannot be cured your veterinarian can recommend treatments and a long term plan to ensure your dog lives a pain free life

While we can’t stop the disease, we can manage the pain and give dogs a good quality of life. Treating pain can help maintain muscle, reduce weight, and improve quality of life – for all dogs with arthritis. Recognising and treating pain can help restore the important bond between pet owners and their dogs. Although the disease cannot be cured your veterinary surgeon can recommend treatments and a long term plan to ensure your dog lives a pain free life.

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From Our Trusted Vet,
Dr Kenneth

Ask our resident vet Dr Kenneth questions about your dog’s
arthritis and get the best advice on how to treat your arthritic
dog to ensure that your dog enjoys quality of life pain free

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