Is Your Pet Suffering from Arthritis?
Newsletter March 2008
CanadaVet is pleased to announce that we have expanded our range of quality Pet Prescription medications.
We are now able to supply many of the most commonly used pet medications. Today we will profile medications available for the treatment of Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease.
Arthritis refers to a disorder of the joint. It can have many causes, including infection, immune system disorders, cancer and trauma, however we mostly use the term to describe the degenerative changes occurring in joints over time. A more correct name for this condition is Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).
What is DJD?
Degenerative Joint Disease refers to damage to the joint cartilage and adjacent bone caused by abnormal stresses on the joint. These stresses are due to an abnormality in the joint which may be inherited, such as Hip Dysplasia, or caused by trauma, such as an accident though most DJD is caused by years of wear and tear on hard-working joints. DJD is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by cartilage damage, proliferation of new bone, and thickening of the joint capsule.
What are the signs of DJD?
Pain, stiffness, reluctance to exercise or to perform normal actions such as jumping into the car are common signs of arthritis. Cold and/or damp weather may appear to make the symptoms worse.
Lameness may be intermittent, aggravated by exercise or may disappear as the dog 'warms up'.
How is DJD diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will base his or her diagnosis on the history of the problem combined with a physical examination to determine the range of movement in a joint, any joint thickening or crepitus (a crunching/grating feeling while the joint is manipulated) and the degree of pain.
X-rays may be used to show the severity of the condition. Changes to the joint such as new bone production, bone remodelling, narrowing of the joint space and increased amounts of joint fluid may be seen.
How is DJD treated?
The treatment depends on many factors including the underlying cause, the age of the dog, degree of bony changes present, and amount of pain and disability the condition is causing.
Surgical treatment may be required to correct underlying deformities, to stabilize joints affected by ligament ruptures, or to alleviate discomfort. The success of surgery depends on the condition being treated and the amount of degenerative changes already present. Surgery may even extend to a total hip replacement similar to the procedure done in people.
Medical treatment includes:
Analgesic anti-inflammatories - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. There are several safe, very effective NSAIDs formulated for animals that can be prescribed by your vet. The most commonly used medications are Previcox, Rimadyl chewables , Deramaxx, Etogesic, Metacam and Zubrin
Please do not give your dog human NSAID medications such as Tylenol, aspirin or Advil as they are potentially toxic with side effects including gastrointestinal upsets and ulcers, vomiting and/or diarrhea, blood abnormalities, kidney and liver failure.
Chondroprotective agents - medications that both stimulate cartilage repair and inhibit ongoing cartilage damage by inhibiting various destructive enzymes and prostaglandins found in arthritic joints. These drugs may also help by increasing the production of normal compounds within the joint which act as lubricants and protectants/strengtheners for the cartilage surface. There are injectable and oral forms of these drugs.
Other treatments:
Diet - weight reduction reduces stresses on the joint.
Exercise modification - gentle on-lead exercise without periods of free running. Swimming is also a good exercise for dogs with DJD as it strengthens the muscles and ligaments surrounding joints without the stresses of weight-bearing exercise.
Soft Bedding - Arthritis symptoms are always worse in the winter months so make sure your dog has a nice comfortable bed in a warm and easy to access place.
Contact your local veterinarian for advice about your dog's condition. There are many different treatment options available and your vet can help you decide which treatment or combination will be most effective. Once your vet has prescribed the appropriate medication CanadaVet will be able to economically supply your pet’s medication. Our buying power allows us to pass significant savings on to our customers. Your dog need not suffer the pain of arthritis any more.
Of course all prescription medications require a prescription from the Veterinarian treating your pet to ensure that your pet is receiving the appropriate medication for their medical condition.
How to place a prescription order?
- Complete your order as specified on our site.
- Once your order is successfully processed, you will receive an order number.
- Write your order number onto your prescription.
- You will need to fax in your prescription to us on our fax number at 1-800-532-2981.
- Your prescription will be reviewed by our pharmacy and shipped out in 2-4 working days
How to place a prescription order?
Canada Vet
P.O. Box 47035, 15-555 West 12th Ave.
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4L6
Questions or Comments? Contact us!
Email: info@canadavet.com
Toll-Free: 1 (877) 822-6838
Toll-Free Fax number: 1 (800) 532-2981
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