Petcare Info
Arthritis in pets
Or more specifically termed DJD
- degenerative joint disease - is often breed related and may begin while still relatively young.
For example - rottweilers, retrievers, labradors and many large breeds with elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. And poodles, chihuahuas and terriers with knee arthritis from slipping kneecaps (medial patella laxation).
Other conditions that will predispose a pet to DJD include:
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Previous injury
Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism & hyperdrenocorticism (overactive adrenals)
Unbalanced diet
Diagnosis may involve palpation of the joints, often with the aid of sedation to also obtain joint fluid for evaluation and radiograph the affected joint. Read more @ Digital Radiology
Treatment is varied based on duration
and severity, and may extend to joint
replacement surgery. Drug therapy may
include non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (nsaids); joint
lubricating and cartilage protecting
type drugs administered by injection
(Zydax). Neutraceuticals (glucosamine
group), with the exception of fish oil
are questionable in efficacy. There are
few independent scientific studies to
verify efficacy. Fish oil dosage needs
to be precise, however. Weight
management is essential and graded
exercise obtained by sessions on our
Aqua Paws Plus underwater treadmill is
ideal.
This unique therapy allows
dogs to walk while in a ’fully’
controlled environment, where the depth
& warmth of the water & the benefit of
buoyancy allows your family dog to gain
their confidence to use all limbs again
and reverse the effects of
immobilisation caused by DJD.
Read more @ Aqua Paws Plus Underwater Treadmill
As progress in hydrotherapy is achieved and weight bearing improves the treadmill speed is increased and / or the depth of the water column in the Aqua Paws is reduced. An additional benefit of regular sessions on the treadmill is weight management. Read more @ Obesity in Pets - We are able to email our clients a specific rehab program for your pet based on recommendations by Prof Darryl Millis from the University of Tennessee, who is regarded as the "father" of canine rehabilitation.