Can you slow down arthritis in dogs?

While there is no cure for OA, there are several strategies for slowing its progression, managing mobility and minimizing pain. The goal of treatment is to minimize pain, slow the progression of damage, and maintain or develop muscle mass. Treatment is achieved with a combination of therapies, which may include any of the following: Lifestyle changes: Weight control Low-impact activities, such as leash walks or swimming Use of non-slip rugs and ramps to get on beds, couches or cars Pain management: NSAIDs are commonly prescribed medications to manage OA pain and inflammation. Additional medications, such as gabapentin and amantadine, may be given in combination with NSAIDs. Librela is a type of injectable medication known as a monoclonal antibody that can be given once monthly to provide longer-term control of OA pain. The earlier OA is diagnosed and managed before the severe progression of OA, the better the long-term outcome. While there is no cure for OA, there are several ways to manage pain and delay its progression, allowing many dogs to live comfortably with a multimodal approach to treatment.

Supporting the schemes through purchasing low risk breed puppies from reputable breeders that utilise these phenotyping processes is certainly a way towards minimising arthritis. Identifying clinical signs of joint disease early, and diagnosing plus acting on musculoskeletal and joint problems will contribute to minimising the development of clinical arthritis. It will also offer more treatment options, and more time for you to influence the course of the disease. Healthcare schemes exist to screen dogs for developmental joint disease such as hip and elbow dysplasia in the hope that they will not pass on the underlying genes to their offspring. It is hoped that ultimately selective breeding from dogs with good joints, and therefore good genes, can eradicate developmental joint diseases.

You can make your dog more comfortable and slow down the progression of arthritis by using simple strategies, supplements and medications. The earlier you start supporting your dog and their arthritis, the more successful you are likely to be. Help at home, such as using ramps to get into the car, restricting the times your dog needs to use stairs, and providing a thick comfortable sleeping spot are all ways you can make life easier for your arthritic dog at home. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support joints, and moderate amounts of low-impact exercise also improve mobility. All dogs with arthritis benefit from being a healthy weight, and approximately half of all dogs are overweight or obese, for these dogs losing even 10% of their bodyweight can have visible results on their arthritis. Some dogs with arthritis do not need any medication or supplements at all, and are simply managed with changes to diet, exercise and home routine. However, you may find that your dog still has bad days or periods, these are sometimes associated with cold, damp weather, or excessive exercise. These are likely to increase in severity and frequency as your dog ages.