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    Vaccinating Senior Pets
    February 25, 2014
    Pet Health Checklist
    March 7, 2014

    Canine Osteoarthritis

    March 7, 2014
    Categories
    • Dogs
    • Veterinarian Medicine
    Tags

    CANINE OSTEOARTHRITIS

    What is it?

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition affecting the

    cartilage, bone, and surrounding soft tissues of a joint. In
    people, it is commonly associated with “wear and tear” as we
    age and can result in a painful or stiff joint. In dogs, OA is most
    commonly associated with an injury such as a cranial cruciate
    ligament rupture, or secondary to abnormal development such
    as Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Normal cartilage is smooth and
    wear resistant, allowing nearly frictionless movement. Once
    damage occurs, the surface will become roughened and worn
    down, leading to joint pain and inflammation. Surrounding
    muscle often can become atrophied and thickened scar tissue
    can form around the joint.

    How is it Diagnosed?
    The most common signs of OA include stiffness, limping, inability
    to rise, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, favoring a limb, and
    obvious pain. Diagnosis is typically confirmed with an X- ray,
    however, in some cases additional tests such as bloodwork and
    joint fluid analysis or joint tap may be required to determine the
    underlying cause.

    TREATMENT

    While arthritis cannot be cured, there are three main components
    to medical management that aim to slow its progression and
    relieve pain:

    Dietary Changes and Weight Control
    1) Weight Control
    Studies have shown that overweight pets are more likely to
    develop OA than pets that are an optimal Body Condition Score
    (BCS). Additionally, overweight pets will show more symptoms
    such as limping and pain than pets that are maintained at an
    optimal BCS. In surgical patients, we see that overweight pets
    have a slower recovery and more difficult time with healing
    and rehabilitation. Achieving an optimal BCS (4.0/9) involves
    feeding your pet the appropriate number of calories for its target
    body weight. Many “lite” or “weight control” commercial diets
    are available on the market, and healthy treats, such as baby
    carrots, are a great alternative to high-calorie dog biscuits. We
    will provide further information on body condition scores and
    appropriate caloric intake calculations that are customized to
    your pet’s needs. In some cases, we may recommend labwork
    to evaluate the possibility of metabolic disease that may affect
    weight or recommend consultation with a nutrition specialist.

    2) Joint Specific Diets

    Joint Specific Diets, such as Hill’s Science Diet J/D and Purina
    Joint Mobility contain a specific balance and content of short
    chain fatty acids (Omega-3/ Eicosapentaenoic Acid). Studies
    have shown Omega-3 fatty acids to be preferentially incorporated
    into the membranes of joint cells and result in less production of
    inflammatory mediators associated with arthritis.
    Activity Modification
    Daily low impact exercise improves joint mobility, aids in weight
    control, and strengthens the muscles that support joints. Similar
    to people with OA, high impact activities will result in a “flare-
    up” ofdiscomfort that may last for a few days. Consider a person
    with OA of the knee; a high impact activity such as road running

    or playing basketball will likely result in some soreness or
    stiffness for a few days. Obviously, it is not practical to attempt
    to eliminate this type of activity in our pets but an attempt should
    be made to tip the balance of their activity toward the low impact
    activities. Leash walking and swimming are excellent activities
    for arthritic pets. As their body condition, muscle strength, and
    range of motion improve they will develop less inflammation
    with intense exercise and more high impact activities can be
    added. Formal evaluation with a physical therapist can aid in
    the improvement of function by increasing muscle strength and
    joint range of motion.

    Medications and Supplements
    1) Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDS)
    Medications specifically designed for safety and efficacy in dogs
    can decrease inflammation associated with OA, thus relieving
    pain and increasing mobility. These are generally safe for chronic
    use and can be given on an “as needed” basis. As in people, the
    most common side effects are very individual and most commonly
    include gastrointestinal upset. Administration should be under
    the supervision of your veterinarian and your pet should be
    monitored for vomiting, diarrhea, or dark, tarry stool. Discontinue
    use and contact your veterinarian immediately should these
    occur. In animals with pre-existing liver or kidney disease, more
    severe side effects may occur so labwork should be performed
    prior to initiation of therapy and periodically while your pet is
    being treated. Adverse cardiovascular effects that are seen with
    some of these medications in people are typically associated with
    pre-existing conditions, such as arterial plaque deposits, which
    make this much less of a concern in our pets.

    2) Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements
    These supplements are referred to as Nutraceuticals or Chondro
    (cartilage) – protective agents. These compounds are distributed
    to all joints in the body after oral or injectable administration
    and may have the ability to modify the disease process of OA by
    decreasing inflammatory mediators, stimulating cartilage matrix
    production, and improvement of joint fluid viscosity. In general,
    the oral compounds are safe for daily use and may be given in
    conjunction with common veterinary NSAIDS.
    3) Other Medications
    – Tramadol, Amantidine and Gabapentin
    These medications are typically not used by themselves for
    treatment of OA but may used in conjunction with an NSAID in
    more severe cases. They are usually reserved as a second or
    third line medication.
    4) Steroids/ Steroid Injections
    Commonly used in treatment of OA in people and horses. Steroids
    may have an early beneficial response as an anti- inflammatory
    agent but is ultimately responsible for further degrading joint
    cartilage. Additionally, severe systemic side effects may occur
    in dogs with prolonged exposure to steroids making their use in
    the treatment of OA in small animals difficult to justify.
    5) Other Tips
    n Gentle massage and cold or warm compresses can decrease
    swelling and soothe joint pain.
    n Too little exercise, for example only on weekends,
    can cause more harm than good.
    n Always provide your pet with a warm, well-padded
    place to rest.

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