Joint health starts long before arthritis care begins. The first year of life sets the stage for the formation of arthritis in adulthood.
Early interventions include:
• Feeding a high-protein diet with an appropriate calcium:phosporus ratio
• Maintaining lean body mass to promote slow, organized bone development
• Avoiding strenuous training and exercise until bone growth is complete
• Avoiding vigorous activity on artificial surfaces until bone growth is complete
• Early glucosamine supplementation (Adequan if genetic problems are expected)
• Early intervention with acupuncture or chiropractic care if soreness is suspected
• Structured fitness therapy to strengthen areas of weakness
Arthritis should be suspected if there is a gradual but noticeable decrease in the frequency, duration, or vigor of activities the pet
usually enjoys (fetch for dogs, jumping up for cats). Arthritis care may include:
• Nutritional support (glucosamine, chondroitin, cetyl myristoleate, DHA)
• Drug therapy (NSAIDs, tramadol, amantadine)
• Injectable products (Adequan, Legend, Hylartin)
• Herbal therapy (targeted for pet’s constitution, tissue, and area of body)
• Acupuncture (approved for pain management by the AVMA – finally!)
• Chiropractic care (minimizes stress on the body from compensating for pain)
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for euthanasia of older pets. Early intervention helps maximize your enjoyment of
your pet, your pet’s enjoyment of life, and your pet’s longevity.
Early interventions include:
• Feeding a high-protein diet with an appropriate calcium:phosporus ratio
• Maintaining lean body mass to promote slow, organized bone development
• Avoiding strenuous training and exercise until bone growth is complete
• Avoiding vigorous activity on artificial surfaces until bone growth is complete
• Early glucosamine supplementation (Adequan if genetic problems are expected)
• Early intervention with acupuncture or chiropractic care if soreness is suspected
• Structured fitness therapy to strengthen areas of weakness
Arthritis should be suspected if there is a gradual but noticeable decrease in the frequency, duration, or vigor of activities the pet
usually enjoys (fetch for dogs, jumping up for cats). Arthritis care may include:
• Nutritional support (glucosamine, chondroitin, cetyl myristoleate, DHA)
• Drug therapy (NSAIDs, tramadol, amantadine)
• Injectable products (Adequan, Legend, Hylartin)
• Herbal therapy (targeted for pet’s constitution, tissue, and area of body)
• Acupuncture (approved for pain management by the AVMA – finally!)
• Chiropractic care (minimizes stress on the body from compensating for pain)
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for euthanasia of older pets. Early intervention helps maximize your enjoyment of
your pet, your pet’s enjoyment of life, and your pet’s longevity.
| Joint Health and Arthritis Care |
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