Many symptoms of arthritis in dogs are due to pain. Therefore, managing arthritis typically involves reducing pain and preserving muscle mass and joint mobility. This is most effectively achieved through a combination of treatments rather than depending on a single medication or approach.
Exercise and Weight Management:
Exercise is crucial for dogs with arthritis, but it should be low-impact to prevent additional strain on their damaged joints. Various types of gentle exercise are suitable for these dogs.
- Leash walking and gentle, controlled jogging are suitable exercise options for many dogs with arthritis.
- Swimming is a highly beneficial exercise for dogs with arthritis and is frequently utilized in physical rehabilitation.
- Underwater treadmills are another effective physical therapy option and can help fulfill the exercise needs of a dog with arthritis.
- Professional veterinary rehabilitation is an excellent choice for managing moderate to severe cases of arthritis.
Managing a dog’s weight is crucial for controlling arthritis. Excess fat produces hormones that increase inflammation and pain. Therefore, a weight reduction plan should be adopted and monitored for all dogs with arthritis. Ideally, the goal is for the dog to be slightly under the normal weight range.
Prescription Medications:
Different types of medication can help alleviate pain in arthritic dogs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently used for managing arthritis pain.
In addition to NSAIDs, other pain medications like tramadol, buprenorphine, fentanyl, amantadine, and gabapentin can be used. These can be combined with NSAIDs to offer more effective pain relief for arthritic dogs. This combination often enables the use of lower doses of each medication, as they work synergistically to alleviate pain, thereby reducing the risk of side effects from either drug.
All arthritis medications come with potential side effects, so it’s generally advised to minimize their use by incorporating other types of treatments alongside them.
Nutraceuticals:
Nutraceutical supplements are natural substances or foods that can influence an individual’s health.
Nutraceuticals that benefit joint health include:
- Glucosamine.
- Chondroitin.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
These joint supplements can be very effective in alleviating pain and symptoms such as stiffness in arthritic dogs, especially when used alongside pharmaceutical medications for arthritis pain.
Additionally, injectable chondroprotective agents, which help protect cartilage within arthritic joints, can be used to manage joint changes and pain.
Using Complimentary Alternative Therapies:
Acupuncture and massage are alternative treatments that can be effective in relieving arthritis pain. Both therapies can be used alongside traditional methods for better results.
Stem Cell Therapy:
Stem cell therapy offers a promising new approach for treating joint issues in dogs. Although it is still considered experimental, it could be a potential treatment for your arthritic dog. Consult your veterinarian to find out if stem cell therapy is available in your area.
Surgical Alternatives:
If conventional and alternative medical treatments prove ineffective, surgical intervention might be an option. The specific type of surgery will depend on factors such as the affected joint, the dog’s size and activity level, and other considerations. Potential surgical options include:
- Total joint replacement
- Excision of the femoral head (the portion of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket)
- Arthrodesis (fusing damaged joints)
In certain situations, reconstructive surgeries that address congenital abnormalities and stabilize the joint may be suggested, especially for younger dogs before significant arthritis develops.
Arthritis causes considerable pain in affected dogs, and treatment focuses on alleviating this pain while enhancing mobility and strength. Typically, combining two or more treatment options leads to better pain management with fewer side effects.
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