Mobility is one of the biggest factors which affects the quality of life of our pets. Just as we experience the symptoms of arthritis as we age, our pets also suffer from the degrading effects of joint pain.

How do I keep my pet’s joints healthy?

  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight
  • Encourage regular movement and exercise
  • Provide balanced nutrition
  • Understand the early signs of a joint issue (limping, pain, etc.)
  • Work collaboratively with your family and your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan
  • Comply with recommendations from your veterinarian

I have noticed that my pet is slowing down, what can I do?

  • Make an appointment to have your pet evaluated
  • Control pain through a multi-modal approach (we will discuss more below)
  • Slow down progression of the disease

Changes in mobility are often associated with the aging process, however many therapies exist today which can help to keep our pets comfortable for a longer period. It is better to treat arthritis symptoms early rather than late because it helps to improve therapeutic response and to lengthen the time of normal function.

Joint health can be controlled and maintained through nutraceuticals like glucosamine and chondroitin. Many veterinarians carry a stronger form of this medication called Dasuquin. Cosequin is an over-the-counter version which can be found in pharmacies and big box stores. This medication helps to promote flexibility, to provide antioxidant support, and to promote cartilage health.

Maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial in keeping your pet active and mobile. Extra weight can put a lot of strain on the joints and make it more difficult for our pets to exercise. Obesity can also make injuries more likely.

Providing adequate exercise and playtime helps our pets with weight control as well as physical well-being. It is a great way to bond with your pet and to keep your pet happy and engaged. Physical rehabilitation may also be necessary following surgery or injury.

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that happens when the cartilage is worn down, causing the bone to rub against one another. It can happen at any age, although older pets are more likely to have concerns. It is a form of chronic pain. Without adequate therapy or treatment, the disease continues to progress, and the pain can worsen over time.

For over two decades, we have used a drug in dogs called Adequan to help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms. It is a type of medication called a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. It is the only FDA approved disease modifying osteoarthritis drug clinically proven to treat arthritis in dogs. Unlike anti-inflammatories, nutraceuticals, or joint supplements that focus on pain, Adequan treats the underlying disease process.

Adequan helps to restore lubrication, relieve inflammation, and to renew the healthy building blocks of cartilage. It inhibits the release of degradative enzymes and inflammatory mediators to restore balance. Astoundingly, Adequan can even help to stimulate the activity of existing cartilage components and improve synovial fluid to help renew joint mobility. This is why it is so important to identify arthritis and treat it early in order to preserve optimal function for as long as possible.

More recently another drug has been approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis in cats called Solensia. This is a once monthly injection that works like your cat’s naturally made antibodies to reduce pain signals. 77% of pet owners saw improvements in signs of pain when treated with Solensia. It is the first and only treatment to control a cat’s osteoarthritis pain that has been approved by the FDA.

Solensia is an injectable medication which is technically in the drug class of biologic, meaning that it is made up of protein, not chemical. It is a monoclonal antibody that is metabolized the same as all proteins. It targets a compound involved in arthritis called NGF which is a key driver in osteoarthritis pain progression.

Both Solensia and Adequan are products which can only be obtained through your veterinarian. These injectable medications work best when started early in the progression of arthritis to keep joints healthier for a longer period of time. They are generally combined with other treatments such as glucosamine and chondroitin therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and essential fatty acids. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle also helps to promote mobility as well.

If you need advice or recommendations about osteoarthritis and the therapy that can help your pet, contact your veterinarian or call Vetsavers Pet Hospital at 972-939-0900. We are open seven days a week and your pet’s first exam and consultation with one of our veterinarians are free.