Fit Tip 7/31/09 – managing pain & arthritis
This is part of a series in keeping your furkids, especially the elder variety, feeling and looking their best. It is not intended to supercede medical advice or directives.
First, from DogAge.com's Fast Facts
A veterinarian may suggest glucosamine or nutraceuticals for your dog’s general pain due to old age, the beginnings of arthritis, or injury. Stronger medications are available by prescription, but some have side effects that can damage organs and shorten your dog’s life. Before administering any medications to your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Doggie beds and cooling/heating mats can comfort dogs if they suffer from aching joints and muscles. Booties to protect the pads of the feet and warm sweaters for cold climates can help comfort dogs.
Pain medications include carprofen, etodolac and piroxicam.
I’m of the belief that nutraceuticals are beneficial from an early age regardless! Especially for large breed dogs and dogs that have a job or sport. I bet all you healthminded folks didn’t wait until you had a disease before you started taking your vitamins!
And this is where it gets a little complicated because your dog cannot tell you how he is feeling, you probably don’t get frequent full-body x-rays of his joints to monitor deterioration, and (as I’ve posted before) lack of progress (or visible sign of benefit) IS progress in some dogs!
Just as there is no ONE way to treat every individual’s arthritis or trauma-related pain, there is no one “cookbook” method or medication to addressing your dog’s issue.
Dog beds are great! Dogs with neurological diseases or decreased function may have problems getting in and out of a bed, though. The softer the surface, the harder it is to balance (on). Make sure your dog doesn’t just lay in one position for extended periods of time because he may not be able to move well; this would predispose him to skin breakdown.
Heating and cooling mats are sometimes helpful, but a little goes a LONG way. Heating mats are not indicated for all dogs. Use a cooling mat and never direct ice.
Dog booties should be used by dogs who: will be going on a longer than usual hike or walk, compete in a sport that causes undue wearing on the pads, or dogs that have tendency to scrape or knuckle over at the toes.
Sweaters? Well, okay. If your dog likes ‘em. I don’t know what comfort they truly give to an arthritic dog in cold climates but perhaps someone will comment and let me know.
Other things to try include: individualized progressive exercise plan, massage, or acupuncture.
Medicines are confusing enough! Here are the generic names of these NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
Carprofen = Rimadyl
Etodolac = Etogesic, Lodine
Prioxicam = Feldene*
* Not Cox-2 specific and used for it’s anti-tumor properties. Strong stuff.
Here are others (both NSAID and not):
Metacam %
Deramaxx %
Phenylbutazone % = as “Bute” usually given to horses
Acetaminophen = Tylenol or good ol’ aspirin
Tramadol
(% -these are primarily for canine arthritic pain)
