Manage your pet’s pain with Osteoarthritis
Manage your pet’s pain with Osteoarthritis
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
Recognise the signs & symptoms:
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.
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, being slow to rise, and having difficulty jumping.
(reference: https://www2.zoetis.co.za/)
Yes. 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.
Find the
best advice
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