Arthritis
General Information
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. It can occur in any joint,
including the spine and jaw. Signs of arthritis include painful
or stiff joint movement, joint swelling and a grating sensation
during joint movement. Arthritis can also cause fever and redness
of the skin over the joint.
Poly arthritis is inflammation of several joints at the same time.
It is often associated with complex internal diseases.
Causes of arthritis include degeneration from aging, inherited
arthritis, infection, injury, blood diseases, allergic or immune-mediated
disease and cancer. It may be important for us to search for a
primary cause for the arthritis. In some cases relieving the pain
may allow your pet to "over do" and injure itself further.
However, in some cases we cannot eliminate the cause an have to
try to minimize the damage and try to help alleviate pain.
Consider trying the following if we have indicated that it is
safe:
1. Chondroitin Sulfate / Glucosamine mixtures (Osteo-BiFlex,
Pain Free are brand names). Sold under many names in the vitamin
section of human drugstores, grocery stores, etc. Increases lubrication
of the fluid in joints and may help preserve cartilage. Try giving
a dose of ______ regular strength or ______ extra strength tablets
daily. Try for at least one month to see if it is going to be
effective. (regular strength contains about 250 mg of glucosamine
and 200 mg of chondroitin sulfate, extra strength twice as much.).
Link to
a site with more extensive information about Chondroitin Sulfate
/ Glucosamine.
2. Try aspirin at a dose of _____ regular strength (325 mg) or
______extra strength (500 mg) or _____ baby aspirin (80 mg) PER
DAY. We MEAN ASPIRIN, NOT TYLENOL, IBUPROFEN, ETC. It's best to
split up the dose and give with food each time. Stop if vomiting
or darkening of the stool occurs. We do not want to use pain relief
to encourage over use of an injured joint. The goal is to use
pain relief only when needed and recommended by your veterinarian.
Other pain relievers may be more effective and are available here.
3. If the above medications are not effective you will want to consult us about using these medications. They can help a lot but are more expensive than aspirin.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Radiographs (x-rays) and laboratory tests may be
necessary to determine the type and extent of the arthritis. Follow-up
examinations during treatment are necessary to evaluate the response
to therapy.
2. Arthritis is usually a controllable rather than a curable
disease. Therapy is designed to minimize discomfort and delay
or prevent progression of disease.
3. Give all medication as directed. Call the doctor if
you cannot give the medication.
4. Exercise:
Follow the instructions checked.
____Allow normal exercise.
____Restrict exercise as follows: __________________________________________
5. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____Feed the normal diet.
____A special diet is necessary. Feed as follows:_____________________________
6. Special instructions:
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your pet's discomfort or lameness increases.
* Your pet develops new signs.
* Your pet is reluctant to eat or seems unusually thirsty.
* There is swelling or drainage from a joint.