Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease
 As
our pets age, the tissues lining the bones and jointsmay
deteriorate and degenerate. The terms we often use to describe
this condition areDegenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or arthritis
(osteoarthritis or OA).
Osteoarthritis can affect animals of all ages – about 1/3
of dogs with OA are under 3 years of age due to underlying
biomechanical skeletal abnormalities that lead to early-age
onset of OA.
What is OA?
 Joints consist of a tough fibrous joint capsule joining
the bones. The joint capsule is lined by a thin membrane
which produces joint fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant
and also carries nourishment to the articular cartilage which
covers the ends of the bones. The articular cartilage does
not have a blood supply of its own to provide nourishment
and oxygen. The articular cartilage receives nourishment
from small blood vessels in the underlying bone and through
absorption from the joint fluid.
OA can occur due to joint diseases (including structural
abnormalities), trauma, infection and surgery. Obesity exacerbates
OA. As OA progresses there is a gradual deterioration of
articular cartilage within the joints, increasing bone proliferation
and thickening of tissue surrounding the joint.
Inflammation plays a part in causing clinical signs. The
damaged cells of the cartilage release substances which result
in inflammation, pain and further damage to the cartilage.
This results in a vicious cycle of damage.
 Can Osteoarthritis be cured?
Most of the damage caused by OA is irreversible. Fortunately,
products are available that can slow the progress of the
disease and promote cartilage healing. In addition, modern
analgesics can effectively control pain with few side effects.
The results from treatment are very good but we do not expect
your pet to be able to catch frisbees!
Treatment Plan for Pets with OA
There are four interlinked treatment strategies.
1. Slowing cartilage destruction
A drug called Cartrophen is available which has been shown
to be effective in controlling the destruction of cartilage
in dogs with OA. This is the treatment of choice for all
pets with OA. The main actions include:
- improving the blood supply within the joint and to the
bone underlying the cartilage.
- reduced production of destructive enzymes produce
- promote cartilage repair
Cartrophen is given by injection once weekly for four injections
and then repeated either annually or more frequently if your
pet requires it. Although only licensed for dogs we have
used it in cats for over 10 years with exceptionally good
results.
 2. Weight Control
Many pets suffering from OA are overweight. Obesity increases
the pain and damage as well as increasing the need for medication.
It is imperative that your pet’s weight be monitored and
reduced if necessary. If you have any difficulties or need
help, please contact us. There are many weight-reducing diets
available that work very well.
3. Effective pain relief
Modern arthritis medications have few side effects and can
be used long term to provide a good quality of life for your
pet. They reduce pain and inflammation. If you ever think
your pet’s medication is causing side effects, please contact
us immediately.
4. Diet supplements
There are certain products termed nutraceuticals that are
nutritional supplements rather than “drugs”. We use products
that contain glucosamine (glycosaminoglycan) and chrondroitin
with trace elements. These supplements increase the effectiveness
of our other treatments and are simply added to your pet’s
food daily or given by mouth. Many of the diets we recommend
have these products in them so there maybe no need to add
any extra supplements: Check with us first.
Your Pet’s Treatment Regime
Every pet is different not only in the severity of the OA
changes but also in how they respond to pain and to medications.
For this reason we design an individual treatment regime
for every pet.
 Our treatment recommendations are designed to improve your
pet’s quality of life and will be altered according to the
response.These recommendations will include
Cartrophen
Pain Relief/Anti-inflammatory medication as required
Weight Loss Target
Regular moderate exercise
Oral Glucosamine Supplementation
Dietary Recommendations
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