 Canine osteoarthritis (AKA arthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a chronic, progressive disease that will affect 20-40% of dogs at some point during their lives. While canine osteoarthritis has no cure, treatments can reduce symptoms and slow its progression. Now, with the recent release of FDA-approved Librela, we have more options than ever to help dogs with arthritis live happier, healthier lives! What Is Canine Osteoarthritis? Canine osteoarthritis (osteo: bone; arthr: joint; itis: inflammation) is painful inflammation caused by the deterioration of cartilage around the joints. In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered in a smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage. Cartilage pads bones and helps them move easily. With osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down, becomes rough, or wears away. Without that protective cartilage, bones may rub together. This causes inflammation, pain, and even structural changes to the bones around the joint. What Causes Canine Osteoarthritis? It’s tough to pinpoint just one cause of canine osteoarthritis. What we know is that many factors can contribute to its development. For some dogs, it's likely a genetic condition. A few other known risk factors include:
Though canine osteoarthritis can impact dogs of every breed and size, it’s more common in large-breed dogs. German shepherds, golden retrievers, labs, and rottweilers are commonly diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Obesity also contributes significantly to the development of arthritis, as it increases pressure and strain on the joints. Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Dogs The symptoms will depend on how severe your dog’s osteoarthritis is and which joints are affected. Some signs to watch out for include:
Treatment Options for Dogs with Osteoarthritis Pain While osteoarthritis isn’t curable, treatments are available to help manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. These treatments aim to slow the disease’s progression and keep dogs moving comfortably. Lifestyle Changes These recommendations depend on your pet’s breed, age, health history, and weight. Suppose your dog is carrying around some extra weight. In that case, your veterinarian may recommend changing their diet and increasing their activity to alleviate excess pressure on the joints. It can also be helpful to have plenty of non-slip surfaces, such as yoga mats and rugs, to protect pets against slipping and falling incidents. A ramp or stairs might be recommended for dogs having difficulty getting on and off furniture or into/out of the car. Physical Rehabilitation Low impact exercises such as swimming, water treadmills, and range of motion exercises can help dogs with arthritis maintain muscle mass and stay active without putting too much stress on damaged joints. Other treatments for osteoarthritis pain include laser therapy, acupuncture, and massage. Pain Management NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the primary medications used to help relieve dogs’ arthritis pain. They work quickly to relieve pain, but must be given at regular intervals to be effective. NSAIDs also have the potential to impact your dog’s liver and kidneys. Because of this, routine blood work for dogs who are taking NSAIDs long-term is required. Joint Support Supplements like glucosamine chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health and alleviate pain/inflammation symptoms alongside other therapies. Specific, veterinary-recommended diets can also help support bone and joint health. Introducing Librela: A First of Its Kind Treatment for Canine Osteoarthritis Pain A few months ago, we spotlighted Solensia, a new treatment for feline arthritis pain. This year, Zoetis released a monthly injectable to help effectively control dog’s arthritis pain. Librela works differently from other pain medications. Its unique mode of action targets something called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is specific to osteoarthritis pain. In two separate studies, monthly injections improved dogs’ mobility and overall quality of life compared to dogs that received a placebo. Best of all, Librela is metabolized and eliminated without negatively impacting the liver and kidneys. We’re very excited to offer this groundbreaking treatment option to our canine patients with osteoarthritis. We hope that one easy, monthly visit to the clinic can make managing osteoarthritis easier for both patients and their people. Making Canine Osteoarthritis More Manageable! While canine osteoarthritis is not a curable condition, you can work with your veterinary care team to help your dog move better and experience less pain. It all starts with an appointment to assess your dog’s condition and get them started on a sustainable pain management program. Want to learn more about canine osteoarthritis, Librela, and other pain management options? Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment!  From snowy forest trails to icy waterfalls and rivers, there's nothing like winter in the Pacific Northwest. And while winters here in Beaverton, Oregon, tend to be pretty mild, we still have the occasional cold snap! Keeping some cold weather safety tips in your back pocket is always a good idea. Today, we'll look at everything from paw protection to outdoor kitty shelters to help keep our furry friends safe and comfortable.
Cold Weather Animal Safety Tips #1: Know How Cold Is Too Cold Knowledge is power, and knowing your pet's tolerance for cold weather is an important first step in keeping them safe. Not all pets will respond to the cold in the same way. In fact, your pet's cold tolerance threshold could vary based on several factors. First, consider their size and breed. While huskies were bred for extreme cold, pugs can quickly become uncomfortable when temps drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll also want to consider your pet's coat type (short, long, wiry, silky, double-coated, thick, thin), age, and health history. Both senior dogs and puppies have a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite. You can use the following guidelines as a helpful starting point, but be sure to consider your pet's unique needs and response to the cold when making decisions:
#2: Watch The Weather & Make A Plan During cold snaps and winter storms, watch your weather apps! Try to plan walks and outings for the warmest part of the day and avoid going out during storms and windy conditions. If you do walk your dogs outdoors during a snowstorm, be sure to keep them leashed! Snowy conditions can be disorienting for off-leash pups and more dogs are lost during this season than any other. Remember that wind chill can increase the risk of hypothermia, even if the "actual" temperature is in a safe zone. If it’s extra windy, consider staying home or bundling them up for extra protection. #3: Protect Their Paws Ice and snow aren't the only risks your pet's paws have to navigate during winter. Salt and other ice-melting chemicals can cause irritation between the toes and around the paw pads. Some commonly used ice-melting chemicals can also be toxic if ingested. For example, imagine you take your dog for a walk. Afterward, they get cozy in bed and lick their paws. They may ingest dangerous chemicals that have been brought in on their fur. Wipe down pets' paws with a damp towel after every walk. For extreme temperatures, consider investing in some winter booties to lower the risk of frostbite. #4: Invest In Cold Weather Protective Gear In addition to booties, cold weather gear goes a long way towards keeping pets comfortable even in extreme cold. Small or thin-coated dogs, seniors, and puppies will appreciate a warm jacket or sweater. Waterproof items are also highly recommended here in Oregon, where winter rain is common. That's because damp items like sweaters can make pets colder and contribute to a higher risk of hypothermia. #5: Recognize the Signs of HypothermiaRegardless of the temperature, it's crucial to recognize signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your pet's body temperature is dangerously low and, in severe cases, can be a life-threatening emergency. Common signs and symptoms include:
If you suspect your pet is hypothermic, contact your veterinarian or nearest veterinary urgent care ASAP! Your pet may need medical intervention to bring their body temperature back to a safe level. #6: Provide Safe Bedding for Indoor/Outdoor Cats Not every kitty wants to be snuggled up indoors during the winter. Consider constructing a warm, insulated shelter for indoor/outdoor cats or feral cats in your neighborhood. This article by Alley Cat Allies has useful tips and ideas for creating a good outdoor cat shelter. Appropriate bedding is the most important thing to consider when making an outdoor cat shelter! Some beddings, like hay, blankets, and towels, accumulate moisture and become damp. This dampness actually draws body heat away and makes cats colder. Instead, use straw, which will resist moisture and keep the shelter warm. #7: Check Your Car Before Each Trip During the cold winter months, animals of all sorts are drawn to warm car engines. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to make sure no critters have made a bed out of your engine. #8: Take Care Of Pets' Skin & Coats Damp fur and wet conditions can lead to itchy, flaking skin. The ASPCA recommends wiping pets down with a towel immediately after they come inside to avoid skin issues. Cold weather can also dry a pet's skin out (just like ours!). If possible, keep bathing to a minimum during the coldest months to preserve natural oils and prevent dry, irritated skin. #9: Keep Antifreeze Safely Out Of Reach Antifreeze is a deadly poison! It's estimated that 90,000 pets are poisoned by antifreeze each year. That's because it has a sweet flavor that pets enjoy. But even one teaspoon can be fatal or cause severe kidney damage. Keep antifreeze stored in a sealed container away from pets and quickly wipe up any spills. If you think your pet has ingested antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary attention. Antifreeze is absorbed quickly once ingested and starts forming toxic metabolites quickly. Any delays in treatment can be deadly. #10: Be Prepared For Anything! When it comes to winter weather—for both people and their pets—a little preparation goes a long way. We recommend keeping at least a two week supply of food, water, and medications on-hand. That way, if the city shuts down due to icy conditions, you and your pets will be safe and comfortable staying home together. Have Questions? Mountainside Is Here To Help. Whether you and your pets are snowy adventurers or prefer to cuddle up on the couch until the cold passes, we hope you have a fantastic winter! If you have any questions about keeping your pet safe and comfortable through the cold snap, get in touch. Our team is happy to help in any way we can. |
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Mountainside Veterinary Hospital
www.mountainsidevets.com [email protected] Office: (971) 405 - 1111 Fax: (503) 498 - 5322 |
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15000 SW Barrows Rd. Ste. 101, Beaverton, OR 97007
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Saturday: 8:00a - 4:00p Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! (971) 405-1111 
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