Osteoarthritis ; Part 1 

So you have noticed that your four legged friend has started to slow down, started limping, not wanting to play or jump up anymore or just generally looking a bit stiff and immobile. You have had your vet examine you four-legged friend and they have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. They prescribe some anti- inflammatory and off you go just thinking to yourself that this is just old age changes and that just the way of life, right? 

Did you know that unfortunately over 80% of dogs over the age of 8years old suffer from osteoarthritis and it is the biggest cause of premature euthanasia.  

So, what is osteoarthritis and what can we do to help our four-legged friends? 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the normal structure within a joint. A healthy joint consists of two bones which are covered in smooth cartilage and lubricated with joint fluid. This allows movements to occur without any friction or pain. A joint affected by osteoarthritis will become inflamed, painful and lack in range of movement due to the progressive loss of articular cartilage and osteocytes (new bone) starting to form within the joint.

 Here is a great flow chart by CAM (canine arthritis management) explain the progression of osteoarthritis

What causes osteoarthritis?

·        Genetics

·        Poor conformation

·        Joint trauma

·        Repetitive stress

·        Obesity

·        immune mediated disease targeting the joint

·        infections within the joint.

What can be done to help?

In my option a multimodal treatment plan needs to be put into place to help management your pet’s osteoarthritis. This involves vets, professional therapist and owners all working with one another improve the joints overall function and ensure their quality of life is maintained to a high standard.  Your vet may prescribe anti- inflammatories and joint supplements and may advise further investigation.

We have already read that the joint becomes painful so therefore your pet reduces the use which results in soft tissue wastage, but the body needs to compensate elsewhere. As a Veterinary physiotherapist

·        resolving any associated muscle pain

·        maintaining joint range of motion

·        strengthening supporting muscles

·        addressing proprioceptive deficits

are my key areas of interest. Advice on lifestyle modifications is also discussed alongside prescribed home exercises on an induvial basis. 

It is the owner’s duty to be the voice for their pet, reporting to the professionals they are working alongside about their pet’s progress and how they feel their pet is coping. Making home adaptions and maintain high compliance in their pet’s treatment plan is a must to helping manage osteoarthritis.