Osteoarthritis and your pet

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative 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, 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• Acting withdrawn or spending less time playing with family (which is often misunderstood as a sign of ‘aging’)
• Soreness when touched
• Rarely, aggression when touched or approached.

What can be done?

Weight Reduction: Ask your doctor about your pet’s body condition score (BCS). 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. Our Hydro-Treadmill is an excellent form of exercise for dogs with osteoarthritis. Leash walking and controlled jogging are also acceptable.

Diet Supplements and Nutraceuticals: Glucosamine/chondroitin and other nutraceuticals can be helpful in supporting cartilege and protecting joints from further damage. Talk to your veterinarian to learn about the options that may benefit your pet.

Cartrophen Vet: Cartrophen Vet is a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug of plant origin with multiple pharmacological actions that work to retard the progression of arthritis.

Acupuncture and Massage: Both of these therapies may provide additional non-drug pain control.

Prescription Diets: There are several diets formulated specifically to promote your pet’s joint health and mobility. Ask your veterinarian if a diet change is appropriate for your pet.

At Hillside Veterinary Hospital we have many patients with osteoarthritis who benefit from our hydrotreadmill. Underwater treadmill therapy improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and balance without stressing the joints.

Thanks to Hillside Veterinary Hospital (our vets!) for permission to reprint this from their newsletter.

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