Arthritis Pain Management
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration that can result in pain in one or more joints. OA is diagnosed through a thorough physical examination and radiographs or other imaging technology. OA can be caused by a variety of factors including a pet’s body condition and weight, abnormalities of the joints such as dysplasia or luxating patellas, chronic high impact activity, or injury.
Once OA has developed it cannot be reversed. Treatment for arthritis focuses on lessening the effects OA has on a pet’s body. The best results come from a combination of multiple modalities of care.
Rehabilitation Therapy offers a number of techniques that can help decrease pain and improve mobility in dogs
with arthritis.
- Therapeutic laser stimulates cellular metabolism and collagen deposition and improves blood flow in the joint
- Therapeutic exercise begins with flex and extension of joints not being used appropriately. This helps keep joints lubricated and reduce muscle atrophy due to disuse. As a pet’s treatment progresses a variety of equipment is utilized as part of an overall balance/strengthening program designed to improve stamina and agility.
- Electrical stimulation: stimulates and transmits sensations to the spinal cord that help disrupt the signaling associated with the dull ache of chronic pain.
- Acupuncture can provide pain relief, stimulate the immune and nervous systems release of endorphins, increase microcirculation, and decrease inflammation.
- Hydrotherapy utilizes the buoyancy and resistance of water to reduce the impact force on damaged joints which helps to relieve pain, build strength, and improve mobility.
Nutrition - There are special diets and supplements that can help improve a pets overall joint health.
Pain Medication - Therapeutic care works best when used in conjunction with the prescription medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, that help reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Home care There are many simple things that an owner can provide for a pet with OA that can help improve their comfort and mobility at home. These include:
- Soft, padded bedding
- Raised food and water dishes
- Non-skid surfaces or toe grips for tractions
- A ramp/step for entering and exiting a vehicle, getting on/off furniture, or in/out of their favorite window
- Simple stretching exercises and massage techniques that help with a pets overall comfort