How is osteoarthritis treated?
- Weight control Dogs or cats that suffer from chronic pain caused by
conditions like osteoarthritis often become inactive, which can result in
obesity. Controlling your pet's weight will lighten the load on arthritic
joints and make it less difficult to move around. Just as for humans,
weight loss for animals involves both a well-balanced, calorie-reduced
diet and regular exercise. Ask your veterinary surgeon for advice on the proper
diet for your dog or cat.
- Exercise is essential because it contributes to strengthening the
muscles that support joints. Daily, moderate amounts of low-impact
exercise also improves joint mobility and can help get a lethargic,
arthritic pet active again. Dogs will benefit from such activities as
walking and swimming; cats can profit from play that keeps them moving
without excessive jumping. Consult your veterinary surgeon about what amount
and type of exercise would be best for your pet. Also, be aware that your
dog or cat's osteoarthritic pain may be more severe at certain times than
others. If this is the case, let your pet take a break from his or her
exercise routine for a few days, until the painful flare-up subsides.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation in the joints, thus
relieving pain, increasing mobility, and protecting the joint from further
damage. As joint pain may vary according to the amount of exercise, the
weather or season, or for other, unknown factors, your veterinary surgeon may
prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) as treatment. Newer NSAID drugs are proving
to be especially effective in reducing inflammation and pain to improve
mobility without the significant side effects - including gastrointestinal
problems - previously associated with NSAID use. Ask your veterinary surgeon
for more information.
In addition to the above, your veterinary surgeon may also suggest physical
therapy, cold or hot packs and baths, massage or acupuncture as well as
glucosamine and chondroitin to help control pain. In extreme cases surgery may also be indicated.
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