Osteoarthritis is one of the most commonly diagnosed joint diseases in veterinary medicine.
The wide ranging negative impact that arthritis has on a pet should not be underestimated. As well as the pain itself, the emotional and psychological consequnces of living in persistant pain, as well asreduced ability to exercise and function normally will affect your pet’s enjoyment of life and can have a negative impact on your bond with your pet.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis (or osteoarthritis as you may hear it being called) is a painful joint condition.
Bones in a healthy joint are supposed to smoothly glide past each other when moving around. An arthritic joint does not allow for this, as the bone surfaces are uneven and worn down. This means that instead of gliding, the bone surfaces rub against each other, causing swelling and pain.
Overtime the joints will become stiff and thickened, as new bone is generated when it isn’t needed. As a result, the condition becomes more painful.
What are the symptoms?
- Stiffness and reluctance to exercise
- Limping or lameness
- Saliva stains on the joints, due to excessive licking
- Enlarged or swollen joints
- Seeming to slow down or become more lethargic
Non steroidals
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as Meloxidyl, work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to the production of an inflammatory soup around the affected joints, which in turn stimulate the neuro-receptors causing inflammation and pain. Therefore using NSAIDs means less prostaglandins, less soup, less neuro-stimulation and ultimately less pain.
NSAIDs are usually given as an ongoing once daily oral medication, and can be used in both dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, the reduction of prostaglandin production can affect other bodily systems including the gastro-intestinal tract and renal system. This can lead to side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and kidney damage. If used long term a blood test is recommended every few months in order to monitor kidney function.
As they are non-steroidal drugs, these medications cannot be used alongside steroids.
Galliprant
Galliprant works a bit differently to other NSAIDs. This drug works as an antagonist for a neuro-receptor, effectively blocking it so that it doesn’t receive the signals to cause inflammation instead of decreasing prostaglandin production. This way there is a reduction in the unwanted side effects.
The tablet form is given once daily one hour before food. This is only available for dogs.
Librela
Is a monthly injection that is licensed for alleviation of arthritic pain in dogs. The drug contains a monoclonal antibody which targets a nerve growth factor.
It usually takes two months of treatment for desired effects to be seen.
Solensia
Works similarly to librela, however is licensed for use in cats as a monthly injection.
In some cases, the level of pain in your pet cannot be controlled by the use of one of the above medications and they can be used in combination with other drugs such as Tramadol.
In severe cases where medication is not sufficiently controlling the pain, joint surgeries such as fusion or replacement may be considered. These surgeries are often only available at specialist veterinary hospitals.
The vet may also recommend that you book a mobility clinic with the nurse for a mobility clinic where we can discuss other ways to help manage your arthritic pet such as hydrotherapy, weight management, joint supplements, exercise and environment.
