Dog arthritis treatment?

Monday May 25th, 2009

0 comments | leave your own comment

Question:

How do you treat dog arthritis?

answered by Phil Zeltzman

Answer:

Once arthritis is actually proven, there are many options to help your pet:

. Weight loss or weight control.

. An "arthritis" diet.

. Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM).

. Exercise, either through low-impact activities or physical therapy.

. Pain medications: non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or morphine-like drugs.

. Environmental changes, such as keeping your pet in a dry & warm place, or providing thick, soft, clean padding. Other suggestions include minimizing access to stairs, elevating the food and water bowls, or building ramps.

. Periodic re-evaluations with your vet.

In some cases, surgery is an excellent way to treat arthritis. From simple procedures (removing a flap of cartilage or part of a bone) to more complicated surgeries (fusing a joint, or a total hip replacement), ask your vet if your arthritic pet would benefit from surgery.

Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a board-certified veterinary surgeon at Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center in Whitehall, PA. He performs surgery on dogs, cats, and "exotic animals," and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. To subscribe to his weekly newsletter, click here.

Tags Dog Arthritis, Dog Health

DogTime newsletter

Related Content on DogTime.com

DogTime Media Partners with National Canine Cancer Foundation to Keep Dog Owners Aware and Prepared
February 9th, 2010
Newly-established Champ Fund gives DogTime's 28 million pet enthusiasts an opportunity to help fund a cure for canine cancer SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - (February 9, 2010)--DogTime Media, the largest...
Raising a puppy: Training your puppy what to chew
August 4th, 2009
The dog is a social and inquisitive animal. He needs to do something, especially if left at home alone. What would you like your dog to do? Crosswords? Needlepoint? Watch soaps on the telly? You must...
Top 10 Constipation cures for dogs
October 18th, 2008
Just like people, dogs can experience constipation which can make him uncomfortable and even cause him pain. The condition can usually be attributed to a lack of fiber in his diet or not drinking enough...

BEWARE: The use od NSAIDS can be very risky and even cause death. Rimadyl is commonly prescribed for arthritic dogs yet it has serious side effects and was the cause of paralysis and death for my Suki. Pfizer is well aware of the consequences but continues to pump out this death drug because pet guardians have little legal recourse against billion dollar Goliaths. Google "Rimadyl side effects" and find out the truth...it can save your fur babies' life!

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

Recent conversations on these topics

Hacking
5 days ago I was surprised with a 3 month old adorable female schnauzer. Everything is going great. I took her to her kennels vet for a 72hr. follow up check and was told evertything looked good. She was hacking a lttle when I first got her, and now seems to do it more. Nothing comes up. It hasn't affected her appetite, activity, although it wakes her sometimes. When I mentioned it to the vet, he said she was getting over a cold. Will this pass or should I be concerned? I don't see it getting any better (2 days)
Colon Cancer News
Find the latest news about Colon Cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis. Discuss Colon related issues with members of the Colon Health Community. ======== george <a href="http://www.coloncancer.bz" rel="dofollow" rel="nofollow">Colon Cancer News & Discussion Forum</a>
Enjoy viewing!
I recommend you to read this <a href="http://www.resumesplanet.com/resume_writing.php">resume writing </a> and learn more.
dog health products and guides.
cancer treatment for dogs advice for treating dog cancer, help to spot cancer symptoms in dogs, dog health products and guides. <a href="http://www.cancer-treatment-for-dogs.com">cancer treatment for dogs</a>