Treatment Options for canine Osteoarthritis

Our previous blog looked at the factors contributing to the development of osteoarthritis in our senior pets and the symptoms associated with the disease.   Now the question becomes:  “What can be done about it?”  Fortunately for pet owners, there are several options available to help ease/manage the pain and activity limitations that osteoarthritis causes.  In order to know what options are best for your pet it is highly advisable to have them evaluated by your veterinarian and then form a treatment plan based on their specific medical condition.  

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons1 has a very comprehensive list of treatment options on their website that includes: 

• Weight control is by far the most critical aspect of OA management. Fat produces inflammatory mediators that perpetuate the inflammation process and increased body weight put additional force on the joints, causing pronounced OA changes and can ultimately be painful with limited mobility. In an ideal body weight, you should be able to: 1) feel your dog’s ribs but not see them; 2) see an hour-glass figure when viewed from above; 3) see a tucked up belly when viewed from the side. 

• Activity modification: High-impact activities such as running or jumping should be limited as they can cause more inflammation and pain. These activities should be replaced with more controlled activity like leash walks. Low impact consistent exercise is good to help build the muscles around the joints and will eventually promote joint stability. 
• Rehabilitation: Animal rehabilitation such as range of motion exercises, therapeutic exercises, and aqua therapy (underwater treadmill, swimming) help to improve joint mobility, increase muscle mass, and improve exercise endurance. Acupuncture, LASER therapy, and other rehabilitation modalities are commonly recommended although there is an overall lack of studies to prove its benefit. 
• Pain control: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Carprofen, Meloxicam, Deracoxib, Grapiprant, etc.) are the most commonly used medication for OA pain control. In patients that cannot tolerate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alternative pain medication can be considered, although there is an overall lack of studies supporting their efficacy for OA pain management. 
• Joint supplements: The exact mechanism of how joint supplements may help alleviate OA pain is not well understood. Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, omega-3-fatty-acid supplementation are the most commonly recommended joint supplements and do not have severe adverse effects.   
• Disease modulating agents: This can be given either as a muscle injection (PSGAG) or injection within the joint (corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell). Adequan(PSGAG) has research proven efficacy but more research is necessary to ascertain the benefit of other disease-modulating agents.  

For our canine friends that have difficulty maneuvering on slick surfaces or outdoor terrain without slipping consider gripping booties for them.  These are ideal for dogs with arthritis because they help provide better traction on surfaces.  Some examples include:  Ultra Paws, Grip Trex by Ruffware, and Meshies by Barko Booties. 

The chronic pain and mobility issues caused by osteoarthritis are not things that your pet has to live with.  Much can be done to improve their quality of life and overall comfort.  We urge you to  consult with your veterinarian about any issues you feel you senior pet is having with mobility, mood, or pain.  You may be pleasantly surprised at the difference treating osteoarthritis can have in the life of your senior pet. 

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Author

​Carol Hudecek, LVT- Columbia Animal Clinic
References:
1- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/osteoarthritis-in-dogs