Arthritis

One of the commonest causes of pain in dogs and cats is arthritis. There are many other possible causes of pain but it is reckoned that 1 in 5 dogs have arthritis and pain. We also know that arthritis is very under-diagnosed in cats.

Arthritis can result from injury to joints but can just develop as a consequence of age related wear and tear.

There is a tremendous amount we can do to help you with pets in pain but first we need to make a diagnosis.

People often think that dogs yelp and cats cry if they are in pain but most often they don’t, most pain symptoms are exhibited in behaviour—quieter than usual, short tempered, not playing usual games or jumping, less keen on exercise and so on. In fact we commonly see pets for their annual examinations and ask how they are. The answer is often, “She is getting older now”, without any explanation. Often we find that the owners say this without realising that pain is the cause.

You can take some simple quizzes to see if your pet could be exhibiting pain.

Treatment Plans for Osteoarthritis are tailored to each patient’s needs and  include:

· Pain and Inflammation relieving medication;

· In some cases medications to help regenerate damaged cartilage and modify the disease process (Cartrophen);

· Supplements that are pure, effective and are clinically known to improve the symptoms of Arthritis (Nutraquin);

· Appropriate Diet (Joint Articulation);

· Weight Control Program if appropriate;

· Regular, Consistent, Moderate exercise regime;

· Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and alternatives;

· Hydrotherapy if indicated;

· Regular monitoring and blood testing;

· X-rays or Surgery in some cases.

You can find out more about supplements in the attached document

VETCOMPLEX JOINT ARTICULATION

Joint Articulation Dog is an ideal diet for junior, adult and senior dogs with osteoarthritis. It is a tasty, complete diet that provides all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals to enhance and improve your dogs quality of life.

It contains chondroitin sulphate and chitosan to help keep the joints flexible and limit degeneration, low in calories with carnitine to help keep weight down, contains omega 3 fatty acids to help preserve cartilage and reduce inflammation and other nutrients to aid dogs on a regime for arthritis management.

Read all about Joint Articulation or ask at the Surgery for more information.

OUR NURSES RUN A FREE OF CHARGE ARTHRITIS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT CLUB AND A FREE OF CHARGE SENIOR CLUB TO SUPPORT YOUR PET