Effective Care for Pet Arthritis: Tips for Pet Owners
Canine osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in dogs, a condition that is quite common and prevalent among our furry companions. Abroad, statistics show that over 20% of dogs over the age of one suffer from some form of osteoarthritis. This incidence rate increases with age, with approximately 95% of cases occurring in dogs over the age of five. The disease significantly impacts the health and wellbeing of our pets, and in recent years, there has been a rising trend in its occurrence, drawing the attention of the veterinary community.
Cat osteoarthritis: Xrays of cats over 12 years old reveal arthritis in over 90% of cases, and by the age of 15, this figure rises to 100%. Degenerative changes in the joints are a natural part of aging, and a decrease in activity, reluctance to move, and reduced appetite are common signs of arthritis in cats.
How to Properly Manage Osteoarthritis?
The treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on alleviating pain, controlling inflammation, and promoting cartilage repair. This is typically achieved through weight management, medication, and nutritional solutions.
Weight Management:
This is a crucial factor in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Joints cannot bear excessive weight, so weight gain can have a significant impact. Reports suggest that a weight reduction of around 15% can lead to a marked improvement in the condition of dogs with hip dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing the strain on affected joints.
Medication:
Veterinarians often use antiinflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid antiinflammatory drugs are highly effective but are not recommended for longterm use as they can decrease cartilage regeneration. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when administered appropriately in terms of dosage and frequency, are both effective and relatively safe. However, for older animals with potential complications, frequent or prolonged use may lead to side effects on the gastrointestinal, liver, and kidneys.
As pets age, many are entering their golden years, and arthritis in these animals is often not due to physical injury but rather a lack of adequate nutrition to support joint health, leading to degeneration. Large and mediumsized breeds are particularly prone to hip dysplasia (CHD) during their early (510 months) and senior stages. During these critical periods, supplementing with comprehensive joint protectants can help reduce pain, joint damage, and the onset of degenerative arthritis. Prevention is better than cure, so starting early with a comprehensive joint protection regimen is the best way to prevent cartilage loss and joint inflammation.
