+ What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused a consequence of cartilage eroding. The erosion is a side effect of ageing but can be exaccerbated, or slowed by various situations. The cartilage erosion leaves roughened cartilage joints. Normal cartilage is smooth and helps joints glide easily and pain free. With roughened cartilage this smooth movement is affected and inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness can all occur.
+ How can vets support with help arthritis?
Depending on the severity of the OA diagnosed, there are many approaches. The ultimate goal is to help maintain the best joint environment and slow down the effects of inflammation and pain on the development of arthritis.
Healthy Weight
Key to OA management is a healthy weight. All breeds are different so we judge this by both a target weight but also a body condition score. Our qualified nursing team are central to helping achieve this goal and seeing them regularly to keep both you and your dog on track is crucial for success.
Regular, short exercise is important to help keep joints moving. Little and often is the key. If we over walk, then joints affected by OA will be sore and this corresponds to more inflammation.
Hydrotherapy
Considering our overall goal, we want to avoid this. A great way to ensure low impact movement is hydrotherapy. There is much to a good hydrotherapist and we can discuss who, where and how often with you when we see you next.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are important to use. The selection available to choose from is enormous. Evidence is regularly changing as to which is best to use, as are the combinations of elements to consider. We will happily talk about what supplements will help to support the ongoing OA.
Cartrophen
Joint modulating injections work in many cases, but not all. Cartrophen is the product of choice and helps with improving the joint environment and reduce pain. There are many ways to utilise this to great effect in our patients and we can discuss this whenever we see you.
Painkillers
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are the final element in the list. These need to be used carefully because as with all medication, there are potential for side-effects. In some instances we like regular blood tests to check for internal organ health as a result of these medications. Rest assured, before we start anything we will discuss all potential problems and how we manage them with you!
+ What conditions does it help with?
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint lameness
- Weightloss
- Older dogs
+ How long does the treatment take?
Because of the nature of osteoarthritis, treatment is ongoing and we get to see you regularly to check in on how your pet and you are coming along
+ How many visits are required?
Depending on the treatment and support needed, we may need to see you monthly. If your pet has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis then our wellness subscriptions are hugely beneficial for all of us to stay on top of the progressive disease and keep consultations fees low.
+ How much does it cost?
You will require an initial consultation and then follow up assessments depending on the treatment needed. Consult our price list for up to date prices.
