Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How vets diagnose and treat osteoarthritis in dogs and cats
By Rychel, Jessica K·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2010·jessicarychel@gmail.com·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Plain-English summary
Many older dogs and cats suffer from osteoarthritis, which can cause pain and limit their movement. While this condition can't be cured, it can be effectively managed with a combination of pain medications, weight management, and nutritional support for joint health. Common treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentin, and tramadol, along with physical rehabilitation to help improve mobility. With the right approach, pets can lead more comfortable and active lives despite their arthritis.
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Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in aging dogs and cats but frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. Although OA cannot be cured, long-term management of the disease can be very rewarding for the veterinary medical team as well as pet owners. Managing pain with pain medications is an essential first step. There are a wealth of pain medications available, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, gabapentin, amantadine, and tramadol. There are also physical modalities available for pain reduction. Weight management and nutritional joint support are also important in aspects of managing OA in dogs and cats. Finally, physical rehabilitation is a great way to improve mobility and keep pets active as they age.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20188335/