Osteoarthritis Care From Our Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon
Osteoarthritis is one of those inevitable age-related conditions that most of us expect to struggle with sooner or later -- but humans aren't the only ones afflicted by this progressive, painful degeneration of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis is also quite common in pets, including an estimated 20 percent of all dogs. If your pet is shuffling around with difficulty and displaying signs of pain, it may be time to seek out osteoarthritis care from our veterinary orthopedic surgeon at Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center in Omaha NE.
When Your Pet Suffers From Osteoarthritis
There are many forms of arthritis out there, from the recurring inflammatory attacks of rheumatoid arthritis to intense pain of gout. The most common form of arthritis, however, is osteoarthritis. This condition is characterized by a degeneration of the normally smooth cushion of cartilage that prevents friction between the bone ends in a joint. Years of wear and tear (sometimes aggravated by injuries or congenital abnormalities) causes the cartilage to thin out and start to break up. The less cushion the cartilage provides, the more painful joint motion becomes. The bone itself may respond by overgrowing, which only limits joint motion further.
An arthritic pet will display many of the same symptoms as you might expect from an arthritic human. Signs of possible osteoarthritis include:
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Reluctance or inability to jump or climb stairs
• Reduced activity level
• Abnormal stance or gait, including a limp
• Vocalizations of pain
• Clicking noises from the joint
• Resistance to being touched or handled
Osteoarthritis Treatment and Pain Management Options
Bring your special friend to our orthopedic veterinarian for an evaluation. Dr. Horstman will perform X-rays, examine your pet's mobility, discuss his medical history with you, and look for all the telltale signs of osteoarthritis. If we confirm an osteoarthritis diagnosis, rest assured that we can treat the condition to help optimize your pet's mobility and manage his symptoms.
Most pets respond well to anti-inflammatory medications, while others may require stronger drugs such as corticosteroids to control pain and swelling. We may recommend dietary and nutritional strategies featuring anti-inflammatory foods such as fish oil and turmeric. (Weight loss plans can also reduce joint pain.) In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, we can perform surgery to remove excess bone around the joint, fuse a painful joint so it won't move, or even replace an arthritic hip joint.
Talk to Our Orthopedic Veterinarian
Don't let your beloved pet limp his way through life. Call Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center at 402-934-1332 to schedule evaluation and treatment from our orthopedic veterinarian!