Orthopedic surgeons suggest ways to control pain in canine patients with arthritis

Please note: Media Relations is unable to answer questions about pet health problems. Contact your veterinarian.

Source: James K. Roush, DVM, 785-532-5690
Pronouncer: Roush is pronounced RAUWSH
News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, July 23, 2002

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS SUGGEST WAYS TO CONTROL PAIN AND IMPROVE MOBILITY IN CANINE PATIENTS WITH ARTHRITIS

MANHATTAN -- For one in five dogs, going from puppy to adult is a painful journey.

One in five dogs over age 1 has arthritis, resulting in pain and lameness. Concerned pet owners spot the problem and ask their veterinarians to prescribe treatment to control pain, improve joint function and slow the degenerative process within the joint.

Two veterinary orthopedic surgeons say that successfully managing dogs with arthritis requires a combination of treatments. When used together, these measures can provide comfort and an acceptable level of function in osteoarthritic animals.

Dr. James K. Roush, professor and section head of small animal surgery at Kansas State University, and Dr. Ronald M. McLaughlin, associate professor of surgery at Mississippi State University, wrote a series of articles for the professional journal Veterinary Medicine, and described medical therapy for patients with arthritis.

"The appropriate treatment in most cases consists of a combination of proper nutrition, weight control, controlled exercise, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications along with osteoarthritis agents that modify the disease," they said.

"Proper nutrition is important because it may reduce the incidence of osteoarthritis," Roush said. "It is important to avoid overfeeding young dogs and to use a balanced diet -- to not over-supplement with calcium and protein."

Roush said some commercial brands of dog food are specifically designed for fast-growing large-breed dogs, and are a good idea for pet owners to consider.

McLaughlin said Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the production of certain prostaglandins and help decrease inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids can increase inflammation. He said research is under way to investigate the value of dietary fatty acid levels in treating animals with arthritis.

The surgeons advocate regular, low-impact exercise such as walking and swimming.

"Intermittent activity, particularly if strenuous, often leads to bouts of increased pain and lameness," McLaughlin said. "The activity should be initiated gradually and increased as joint function improves. It is important to maintain a consistent level of activity."

They also suggest owners consider giving their arthritic dog some form of disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents. These are marketed as nutritional supplements and have not undergone Food and Drug Administration review before reaching the market. Since there are no regulations to ensure that the products contain the agents listed on their labels, the variation among products is large.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements often are used to treat arthritis. Reports suggest that the two compounds used together complement each other because of their different mechanisms of action. The two surgeons say the most popular combination agent used in animals is Cosequin, available from veterinarians. Adequan is an injectable product considered safe at recommended doses.

"Successfully managing patients with arthritis requires a combination of treatments," Roush said. "Proper diet, weight control, exercise, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents when used together can provide comfort and an acceptable level of function in osteoarthritic animals."