Do you have a senior cat or dog at home? Have you noticed his mobility declining over the past couple of years and just chalked it up to old age? More than likely he is experiencing some form of degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA). OA can rear it’s ugly head in many forms by causing arthritis of the spine, knees, elbows, or wrists. It often leads to extreme lameness, pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are many options available to help combat this aging process, and keep your pet comfortable.
Veterinary clinics offer special mobility diets that are formulated with joint supporting and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green lipped mussel, glucosamine/chondroitin, EPA and DHA (essential fatty acids). These ingredients are “proven to improve arthritic score and reduce joint pain and swelling” Royal Canin Mobility Brochure. These supplements can also be added to the diet in a tablet or capsules form. There are various products on the market, however not all products are as effective. Products sold only through veterinary hospitals ensure that the ingredients have been obtained from reputable sources, have been researched with clinical field trials, and are known to contain sufficient concentrations proven to have a clinical benefit/response. For more severe cases of OA, the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be a helpful solution to help manage pain and reduce joint swelling.
Osteoarthritis is part of the aging process of our pets; however it can be managed by seeking advice from your veterinarian. Together, we can help reduce the effects of OA and give mature pets healthy, a fulfilling senior years.
Information Cited from Medi-cal Royal Canin Mobility Brochure
