The Center for Canine Osteo-Arthritis
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(Click on the photograph for a slide show on Canine Osteoarthritis)
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When surgery is no longer an option, we can help!
Many dogs suffer from some form of Osteo-Arthritis (OA). Unfortunately, it is not only the older patient that is afflicted but with some breeds (especially the Retriever breeds), it is seen in dogs as young as 2 years old.
We have developed protocols to help manage OA when surgery is not an option. We use an integrative approach to the problem along with your referring veterinarian. We have helped many dogs live pain free, mobile lives.
Reliance on the long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone to manage OA can have very serious consequences on the health of your dog. NSAIDs should only be used under the supervision of your doctor. At Valley Veterinary Rehabilitation, we stress an integrative approach to this problem with your trusted veterinarian and recommend using NSAIDs judiciously.
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Q: What is Canine Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that affects both the soft tissues and bones of a joint. It causes pain and decreased flexibility in the affected joint(s). The "osteo-" part of osteoarthritis indicates that the arthritic process involves the bones of the joint. It can affect any joint in your dog's body, but the most commonly affected joints are these:
. stifle (which is equivalent to the human knee)
. elbow
. carpus (which is equivalent to the human wrist)
. intervertebral joints (the joints between the individual bones, or vertebrae,of the spine).
. the hip joints (DJD due to hip dysplasia)
Q: What are some of the signs to look for as my dog ages?
The severity of the signs corresponds with the severity of the joint pain which, in general, is related to the severity of the Osteoarthritic condition. However, some dogs with severe joint pathology may show only mild to moderate signs. Be aware that some of these signs can also be due to neurologic disease or more general disease. This is why we will only take a referral from your trusted general or specialist veterinarian.
Things to look for are:
Is your dog lying or resting more than usual?
Is your dog reluctant to exercise for as long as usual?
Is your dog bunny hopping with the hindlimbs rather than a normal gait when running?
Is your dog slow or stiff when moving first thing in the morning, after a nap, or in cold weather?
Is your dog walking stiff or appearing lame then seems fine after he "warms out of it"?
Is your dog having trouble climbing stairs or jumping (up to or down from a surface)?
Is your dog having difficulty getting up from a lying position?
Is your dog yelping or whimpering during an activity?
Is your dog licking or biting the at the affected joint?
Is your dog pulling away, yelping, or snapping when the affected joint(s) is touched?
Is your dog experiencing a decreased appetite or disinterest in food?
Is your dog experiencing a loss of muscle bulk and tone plus signs of weakness?
Is your dog experiencing a change in temperment (e.g. your dog becomes lethargic or depressed and bad tempered) ?
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
While there is no cure for Osteoarthritis, your dog can live comfortably for many years to come. Treatment at The Center for Canine Osteoarthritis at Valley Veterinary Rehabiliation depends on whether the osteoarthritis is local or generalized and the severity of the disease as well as the length of time it has been a problem. We use a detailed physical exam to localize the problem(s) and then use all the various therapuetic modalities at our disposal, from medicine to holistic products to various rehab modalities.
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