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Arthritis Arthritis develops in most large dogs as they age. Most often the hip joints are affected but the spine and other joints are also vulnerable. Often the first sign of arthritis is difficulty standing up in the morning and walking stiffly until the joints get warmed up. Dogs that develop trouble jumping up, or climbing stairs may also be affected. Although there are no miracle cures, much can be done to make these pets more comfortable. Provide a warm, soft comfortable place for your dog to sleep. Provide limited controlled exercise daily. Start slow to allow joint and muscles warm up. Never over do weekend playtime and avoid sudden bursts of activity. Try to maintain the same level of exercise daily. Weight Control. If your dog is overweight, weight reduction may be the single most important tool in the management of arthritis. Please talk to us about developing a weight reduction program for your dog if you believe it to be a factor contributing to your pets arthritis pain. There are several good prescription diets that work extremely well for dog weight control. Medications to relieve pain and inflammation. Etogesic and Rimadyl are approved medications that are effective in relieving joint pain in dogs. These are prescription anti-inflammatories that can be obtained from a veterinarian. An injectable drug called, Adequan can be used to increase joint fluid production. There are now dozens of products and special foods that promote joint and cartilage health. The active ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, and sometimes creatine. These agents are more beneficial in early arthritis than later stages. We carry a veterinary formulation called Synovicre. We also have these agents in a treat formulation. Corticosteroids, oral or injectable, are clearly efficacious in providing anti-inflammatory benefits and clinical improvement. However, their use should be avoided due to side effects on cartilage and other body organs. They are only indicated in end-stage arthritis of geriatric patients to maintain short term quality of life. Key Benefits
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