Definitions:
Artho = Joint
Itis = Inflammation
Osteo = Bone
Osteoarthritis: Degenerative Joint disease; arthritis
Joints: Consist of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joint capsule, and tissue surrounding the joints and lining the joint synovial membrane. The fluid inside the joint is the synovial fluid.
Causes: Joint cartilage is compromised by trauma, genetics, hip dysphasia, age, etc.
Trauma can occur with an injury or everyday activity (especially for active animals)
Obesity (overweight).
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that affects dog’s joints. Early signs may be subtle and masked by excitement.
Because you observe your dog everyday, you can best recognize the signs of arthritis in your dog. Some of the signs may be:
Reluctance to climb stairs
Difficulty Jumping
Stiffness after exercise
Difficultly rising, sitting, or squatting to eliminate
Loss of appetite
Behavior changes (depression, aggression)
Diagnosis may involve:
History and observation of gait
Physical exam
Radiographs
Blood work
Osteoarthritis Management Program
Treatments: Several treatment approaches are available. One or more of the following treatments may be used to control your dog’s symptoms:
1. Decreasing stress on the joints:
Weight loss!!!!
Prescription weight loss foods are available
Eliminate all table food/treats
Use a low calorie treat or prescription treats
Surgery to treat specific abnormalities:
Anterior cruciate Ligament tears (ACL)
Luxating Patella’s
Moderate exercise:
Leash walking
Swimming (this activity is not as traumatic to joints as running)
2. Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s):
Control pain and inflammation
Relief begins immediately and can last up to 24 hours; this treatment gives the quickest relief.
Examples: Meloxidyl, Deramaxx, & Rimadyl.
Low Potential for liver or kidney effects by checking the liver and kidney functions prior to starting with a medication screen (blood work)
Another Medication screen is then done again 2 to 4 weeks after starting the medications, to check the liver and kidney functions while on the medications. Yearly checks are then required.
3. Oral joint support supplements (Nutroceuticals – Nutritional Pharmaceuticals)
Oral products providing essential nutrients to assist in the maintenance of joint health.
Glyco-Flex III:
Glyco-Flex chewable treats are for dogs and cats needing advanced joint and connective support. Glyco-Flex also provides support for the liver and kidneys. This product is highly recommended for geriatric dogs and cats , but can also be administered to younger pets for joint support. The key ingredient of Glyco-Flex is an edible species of shellfish called Perna. Perna is fundamental to this product because of the high level of Glucosamine, MSM, & Omega 3 fatty acids. This product is also safe diabetic animals.
Glyco-Flex III is available in Large and Mini Chews and is money back guaranteed!
Glyco-Flex III is our suggested product for the best results.
Phycox- JS Chews:
Inflammation reduction and joint support in a soft chew formulation. Synergistic combination of ingredients (Phycox, Omega 3 fatty acids, tumeris, and MSM) to help relieve inflammation as part of a normal daily activity. A joint support matrix for healthy synovial maintenance as well as bone and muscle support.
Mobility Flex:
Mobility Flex is a firm chew that supports joint, immune, and vascular health. Contains a proprietary oil blend, essential herbs, bromelain, MSM, and Perna. Available for cats and dogs.
*There are many glucosamine and combination products available and many over the counter products as well. There is a large variation in quality. We have found the above mentioned items to be excellent products produces by respected veterinary manufacturers. We also use these products on our own animals and see the difference they enhance in our pets vitality and well being.
Diets: Hill’s Science Diet j/d (joint diet)
Senior level food
High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids with high Omega 3 to Omega 6 FFA’s ratio
High levels of EPA, the Omega 3 FFA that reduces cartilage degradative enzymes that causes cartilage damage.
Condroprotectives (glucosmaine and Chondroitin)
Small bites are also available!
The painful condition of the joints known as osteoarthritis can steal your dog’s quality of life. Reluctance to play, jump, climb stairs, to personality changes, and withdrawal to aggression may occur.
An Osteoarthritis Management Program to fit your dog may involve one or more of the above treatments to reach the goal of improved mobility ad decreased pain.