Osteoarthritis In Pets

Osteoarthritis (OA) is common in pets of all shapes and sizes. It's diagnosis and management has risen dramatically over the last 5-10 years due to increased eduction.

Symptoms:

The symptoms first noted by owners include:

• Difficulty rising

• Restlessness

• Stiff, especially first thing in the morning

• Changes in temperment

• Painful on touching legs

• Innappetance

No dog shows all of the symptoms detailed above, there is large variation from one dog to another.

The age at which the first signs of OA can develop vary greatly also. In dogs this is generally between 6-10, and in cats from around 8-10, but there is great variation. The same as in humans, prior injury to a joint can increase the chances of developing OA in that joint.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis can often be made clinically, from talking to owners and also examining the patient. The "gold standard" is however to X ray the joints concerned, to confirm the present of OA.

Treatment:

It used to be believed that medication was the only treatment for OA. This is not the truth - and Pets'n'Vets are strong advocates for the multifactorial management of OA:

• Weight loss if overweight

• Rest to allow inflammation and pain to subside

• Judicious use of Non-Steriodal Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), selection based on a risk/benefit analysis of the individual case

• Changes to household such as inclusion of ramps, or softer bedding to minimise discomfort

• Hydrotherapy may be of use in some cases

• Management with analgesics other than NSAIDs if required

Through the above techniques, a dramatic improvement can be made in many cases, such that the OA can be managed, sucessfully, for long periods of time.

Occasional flare ups are not uncommon, due to OA not being a static illness

Complementary Techniques:

There has been increased interest in the use of Westernised Acupuncture in particular to manage OA pain.

While the practice is at present still sceptical of some of the other techniques available, Acupuncture is available in the practice with Ms Audrey Gallacher.