CANINE ARTHRITIS. How to improve your dog s quality of life

Transcription

1 CANINE ARTHRITIS How to improve your dog s quality of life

2 Your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis.although there is no cure for this condition, there are many things that you can do to make your dog feel more comfortable and to help slow the disease process. The normal joint Moveable (synovial) joints allow for smooth, controlled and pain-free movement.they are composed of: Bone ends Cartilage this is normally white and smooth, providing a low friction interface between the bones and helping to absorb shock Joint capsule this is filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint

3 What is arthritis? Arthritis is a slow, progressive disorder associated with: Degeneration of the joint cartilage Disruption of the normally smooth articular surface It results in the formation of deformed cartilage, which appears yellow and roughened Synovial fluid Bone Joint capsule Articular cartilage

4 What are the potential causes? Wear and tear especially in large and/or obese dogs Developmental deformities for example hip dysplasia Acquired disorders for example cruciate ligament rupture Acute trauma for example bone fractures and joint luxations How can I tell if my dog is suffering from arthritis? The clinical signs of arthritis include: Pain this may manifest itself as limping, crying and discomfort on manipulation Stiffness this is commonly noticed upon rising from a resting state Reluctance to exercise, play, jump on the furniture, jump into the car or go up and down stairs These clinical signs are often worse in cold, damp weather and after periods of physical activity.

5 What can I do to help? There are a number of things you can do to help your dog with arthritis. These include: Weight reduction If your dog is overweight then a weight loss programme will help reduce the pressure on the joints and therefore improve the clinical signs and slow the progression of the disease. Painkillers These reduce inflammation and help to relieve the pain of arthritis.they are available in tablet and liquid preparations. Nutritional supplements These include chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride.they help to support the cartilage and maintain joint function.

6 Controlled exercise Exercise restriction is important but some exercise is needed in order to maintain muscle strength and joint function. Low impact exercises such as lead exercise and swimming are preferable over high impact exercises, such as jumping, climbing, running on irregular terrain and going up and down stairs Cover slippery areas and place the dogs bed in an area where it can be reached without climbing the stairs It is best to start with short periods of exercise, for example 5 minute lead walks.this may then be built up gradually as the dog s condition improves Avoid long irregular walks it is important that you maintain a regular exercise regime with walks of a consistent length. For example avoid short walks during the week and then much longer walks at weekends If the above recommendations are followed, the progression of arthritis can be slowed and your dog will have greater mobility, be more comfortable and will enjoy a better quality of life. C2 MEL-0107 For further information consult your veterinary surgeon. This client leaflet has been produced by CEVA ANIMAL HEALTH Ltd. Manufacturer of: Carprodyl beef-aroma tablets containing carprofen Meloxidyl oral liquid containing meloxicam Flexivet palatable tablets containing chondroitin sulphate and/or glucosamine hydrochloride 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1EG, UK Tel: