Arthritis Management
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints.
Animals with OA experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with the activities of daily living. It commonly happens in older dogs, but can also occur in younger dogs as well. It is diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, palpation (feeling with the fingers to localize pain and determine its intensity), and additional diagnostics, including radiographs (X-rays), Arthroscopy (a small camera inserted into the joint), thermal imaging, and many other tools.
Unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet” for treating OA. OA cannot be cured, but the clinical signs can be managed. It is a very complex disease process, so managing it is complex because we get the best results from combining multiple therapies. It is important to keep pets moving so that the joints do not become stiff and thickened.
Medications:
NSAIDs (Rimadyl, carprofen, vetprofen, galliprant, deramaxx, onsior, etc) - these medications are the mainstay for osteoarthritis treatments because they reduce inflammation and pain. Never reach into your own medicine cabinet when your dog limps or has been diagnosed with OA, and never use NSAIDs alongside steroids.
Adequan - Adequan is the brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), an injectable drug that may slow the progression of degenerative joint disease. It works to: Protect joints and prevent or slow further joint damage, reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate cartilage activity (but it cannot restore cartilage), improve synovial fluid in joints.
I can teach you to give these injections at home easily.
Librela (For Dogs) : I only recommend this currently as a last resort. Solensia (For Cats)
Gabapentin or Pregabalin : a neuropathic pain medication that can help with OA related pain. It is better when given consistently over a long period of time. Side effects include sedation so may not be ideal for all patients since arthritis requires movement to stay healthy.
Supplements:
Omega Fatty Acids - Omega 3 Fatty acid supplementation can be a natural method of decreasing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Omega 3 supplementation has been shown in humans to maintain muscle mass, improve muscle strength and endurance, and enhance the effects of physical training. Unfortunately - this adds extra calories so will need to be worked into your diet plan. Dogs specifically need EPA and DHA to decrease inflammation associated with OA. FOR DOGS: Typically at a dose of 70-100 mg/kg (higher than the dose for skin disease).
Flexadin Advanced with UC-II (Un-Denatured Type II Collagen): Helps enhance a pet’s normal repair of cartilage and joints, maintain joint function, and maintain joint mobility and flexibility
Dasuquin Advanced with ESM (Egg Shell Membrane) - NEM® brand eggshell membrane is a novel dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to alleviate arthritis joint pain and stiffness
Green Lipped New Zealand Mussel - In one study significantly improved knee joint pain, stiffness and mobility. The administration of GLM extract also significantly improved GI symptoms by 49% in OA patients.
Myos: Fortetropin® is a proprietary advanced nutrition product developed and owned by MYOS that has been proven in multiple veterinary clinical studies to build muscle and reduce muscle loss due to aging or injury. Foretropin® is a safe & all natural product sourced from fertilized egg yolk that has been clinically proven to support animal muscle health. You can use "LAIKAVet20" for 20% off on myospet.com
Unfortunately the evidence at this time is weak for the efficacy of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. Please allow up to 6 weeks for any supplements to work.
PEMF therapy has proven effective in enhancing nerve regeneration, bone repair, and wound healing. Assisi Loops are available to purchase and use at home. There are also PEMF beds available which your pet can sleep on.
Exercise at home - I can help create an appropriate exercise plan for home-care in a case-by-case basis. In general, more frequent, shorter exercise, low intensity walking is better than intense, long bursts. On rainy days it can be useful to use a long hallway to provide walking for pets. A variety of surfaces can provide challenge when walking as well, in addition to inclines in pets that are able to manage it.
Home Alterations (For Dogs):
Padded orthopedic bedding - beds that do not sink but offer ease to step into and off-of. Ensure the bed is not too high in those cases. Big Barker beds are clinically proven to improve quality of life based on independent testing from UPenn.
Non-skid surfaces - important to build confidence when walking and provide traction to avoid injury. Paw-Friction products and Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips can help improve traction as well.
Adhering to a diet that keeps patients at a lean weight - not only to help them with excess weight, but to help you with lifting them if necessary. Fat tissue is also highly inflammatory and can increase arthritis pain. Maintaining a healthy weight is the most important part of arthritis management.
