Arthritis Management

Osteoarthritis is a complex disease process that involves the articular cartilage and underlying bone, joint capsule, and surrounding soft tissues. Unfortunately, arthritis is an inevitable consequence of many joint conditions including fracture, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament disease.

While there is no cure for arthritis, and surgical options are usually limited, the symptoms of arthritis can be controlled / minimised by a combination of measures. You, the pet owner, are the person in the best position to improve these things for your pet.

Arthritis is managed through a combination of measures:

• Weight management — being overweight means the arthritic joint carries more weight, causing more pain. Identify the target body weight, reduce food intake by 20–40%, feed diet food and avoid treats (or give low-calorie treats such as vegetables), organise regular weight checks every 1–2 weeks, and aim for approximately 10% body weight loss over 3 months.
• Exercise management — short frequent walks are better than long infrequent walks; exercise patterns should be regular; high-impact activity such as running, jumping, twisting and turning may need to be avoided or reduced. Start gentle and gradually build up.
• Hydrotherapy / water treadmill — swimming is an excellent way to ensure exercise and movement, best done in a controlled environment under the supervision of a professional. A water treadmill is more controlled, while free swimming in a pool against jets gives more of a work-out.
• Physiotherapy — an important part of long-term management as it can lessen pain by improving the strength of the muscles around the affected joint; a programme should be specific to your pet.
• Medication — non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are generally safe, effective and can be given longer term; stop and seek veterinary advice if symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or not eating occur.

A number of nutritional approaches can support joint health alongside the core measures:

• Prescription diets — commercial foods marketed for joint health, e.g. Hills J/D, Purina JM or Royal Canin Mobility. There is evidence that Hills J/D improves the mobility of dogs with arthritis, but it is relatively expensive.
• Supplements — formulas such as Yumove, Antinol, Arthriaid, Cosequin and Synoquin; the evidence is mixed and it is usually recommended to try these for 3–6 months before deciding whether they work. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease inflammation within the joints; fish sources are preferable to flaxseed, and dogs need a much higher dose than people.
• Injectable joint supplements — 'Cartrophen' (pentosan polysulphate) can be given under the skin every week for 4 weeks; the evidence is very limited, but it is claimed clinical improvement can last 3–12 months.