Joint support and Supplementation is the key in helping your pet win the battle againstarthritis and joint damage. As mentioned in our previous segment, arthritis is a manageable condition. Therefore, in this segment we would like to discuss with you some useful hints.
1. Diet and Weight Control: Feeding the appropriate amount of food to you pet daily is crucial, do not overfeed your pet with fatty treats and always refer to your diet's recommended feeding guide to avoid excess weight gain. Weight management can decrease the stress acting on joints. Weight management is indeed one of the most important elements in osteoarthritis management.
2. Excersise: High impact excercise such as running and jumping should be discouraged. Low impact excersise such as swimming and leash walking is recommended to maintain joint strength and mobility. Other forms may include: muscle/ joint massage, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.
3. Dietary Supplementation: Use of products containing Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine/ chondroitin sulphate, green lipped mussel extract, antioxidants (Vitamin E and C, selenium and zinc) or high in EPA/ DHA. Such products containing elements that have proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in joint health and mobility. Examples of pet product include "Glyde / Sashas blend" which is a powder supplement placed onto the pet's food, Sea Flex treats for dogs and cats, and commercial joint diets such as Royal Canin Mobility or Hill's prescription diet j/d.
4. Environmental Control: Ensure your pet always has a warm and comfortable place to sleep especially at night, away from harsh cold winds and moisture. Good padding is important to prevent excessive pressure being placed on the joints.
5. Chondroprotectants: Pentosan polysulphate is a drug containing an active ingredient which can help protecting the articular cartilages of joints. It improves the joint fluid quality and increases the amount of fluid which provides cushioning and lubrication, thus protecting the joints from further cartilage damage. Treatment involves 4 weekly injections given as a course.
6. Pain Relief Medications: All pain relief medications are prescription only and long term use can potentially cause side effects on organ functions. Therefore, blood test prior to, and periodically during, the course would be essential. For more information about these medications please speak to our vets.
We hope that this information has helped you in this common problem. If you found that your furry friend at home require some help in managing arthritic pain, please do not hesitate to call and make an appointment with our vets so that we can tailor-made a protocol suitable for him/her.
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