Managing Arthritis

Managing your pet’s arthritis:

• Signs that your pet may have arthritis:
• Slowing down on walks
• Difficulty getting up
• Reluctant to walk, run, go up stairs, jump, or play.
• Lower activity level
• Sluggish and more tired

Arthritis is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that covers and protects the end of bones in a joint. As cartilage wears away the bones will touch and cause pain. Risk factors include breed inherited traits; overweight dog, large or giant breeds, age, joint trauma, and levels of high activity for long periods of time.

We have multiple products and suggestions that will help you manage your pet’s arthritis.


Adequan: Adequan is an injection for dogs only that contains a medication called polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. The injection is given in the muscle twice a week for 4 weeks consecutively. After these total of 8 injections, we would do a monthly or longer maintenance injection. Every dog is different in how long between injections they can go. Adequan is designed to help prevent the cartilage in your dog’s joint from wearing away. Studies show that it keeps the cartilage from breaking down and actually support the repair process. This treatment is best done earlier before advanced damage happens to the cartilage.

Dasuquin: Dasuquin is a chewable tablet administered daily. Initially the dose will be higher for 4-6 weeks, and then cut in half for a long term maintenance dose. It is also designed to help protect cartilage in your dog’s joints. Dasuquin contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, ASU, and decaffeinated tea. Glucosamine and Chondroitin support the cartilage production and helps block enzymes that break down the cartilage.  ASU helps glucosamine and Chondroitin by supporting joint function and comfort levels. It inhibits mediators that are involved in cartilage breakdown. The last component, Tea, helps because the rich antioxidants it contains have a positive effect on joints as well.

Dasuquin with MSM contains a sulfur based supplement that cartilage naturally uses. Supplementing it helps with the building of cartilage as well. When all of these different supplements are used together they have been shown to help the joints.

Omega-3’s/Fish Oil: Studies have shown that high levels of EPA and DHA can naturally reduce inflammation. This will help with the pain associated with arthritis. It also is a good supplement for your pet all around and may help with coat quality, skin problems, kidneys, heart, and allergies. Please use a product that is made for pets and contains vitamin e as well.

Pain Medication:

NSAIDs: Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug – reduces inflammation and helps control pain. When we use this medication long term we recommend monitoring blood work to check that the medication is not affecting your pet’s kidneys or liver.

Tramadol: Tramadol is a synthetic pain medication that can be given at wide range to help control your dog’s pain. It is safe and can be used with multiple different medications.

Gabapentin: Is a pain medication that can relieve pain related to nerve irritation. It has a wide dosing range and safety margin. It can initially make your pet more sedate, but they will adjust after being on it for a few days. It may be more helpful for pain that has been going on longer as opposed to a sudden (acute) problem.

Alternative Medicine:

• Laser Therapy, which uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and blood circulation which promotes healing. There are both Cold and Hot laser’s and each has its risks and benefits. When first starting laser therapy we would develop a plan. Often the first few weeks it may be recommended for multiple treatments and tapering down to just maintenance sessions depending on your pet’s response.
• Acupuncture is based on traditional eastern medicine. It uses fine needles inserted into your pet at points where nerves and blood vessels meet. When inserted into these certain places it is said to help stimulate blood circulation and release hormones that encourage the body to correct imbalances. Pets often find these sessions to be calming and relaxing.
• Massage Therapy can help by manipulating superficial and deep soft tissues to help reduce muscle spasms, swelling, and joint stiffness. It can also help with adhesion of muscles, tendons, and ligaments which will improve blood flow, flexibility, and muscle relaxation.
• Chiropractic Care – There is an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association that can help you find one nearby. The practice and theory is similar to the way human chiropractors treat people. Your pet’s vertebrae can have subluxations that can cause stress, strain, and pain. By doing these low force manual manipulations to help realign the spine we can alleviate pain.
• Physical Rehab. There are veterinary centers that specialize in physical rehab. They can do various exercises to stretch muscles to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles to help support joints. Some places even have the ability to do hydrotherapy to help with getting your pet's arthritis under control.

What else can you do to help you pet:

• Manage your pet’s weight. Obesity puts more strain on joints and causes further damage to the cartilage. We can help you form a diet plan for your pet to lose weight. Obesity also lessens your pet’s lifespan. We want your pet to live a long and happy life.
• Exercising is still necessary. You may just need to adjust how long you exercise. Shorter and more frequent walks are more beneficial than one long one a day. If you have the option, swimming is a great activity. It allows there to be less weight on their joints and allow them to get more exercise without being as strenuous.  You may need to work up to longer durations of exercise.
• Keeping nails trimmed. Long nails can cause your pet to walk differently and alter their gait. This can cause them to start to get arthritis in their toes and feet.
• Offering an orthopedic bed. These beds are designed to help keep pressure off of certain parts of the body when they lay. It may help them when they have been lying for extended periods to get up and walking easier.