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Joint DISEASE DR KARIEN BRINK, RESIDENT ULTRA PET VETERINARIAN, EXPLAINS HOW NUTRITION PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN MANAGING JOINT DISEASE IN SENIOR PETS

O

steoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease that worsens over time and mostly affects senior pets, but can sometimes be present in younger dogs as well. During colder months, the clinical signs of this disease are more severe and as pet owners we should know the signs to look out for in our animals: ▪ Reluctance to move, especially in the morning when they wake up. ▪ Walking with a limp. ▪ Resist activities they used to enjoy, like going for a walk. ▪ Yelp when a certain joint is touched. ▪ Show a change in behaviour. Managing this disease is multifactorial. Your vet will do a full examination, start a pain

control regime, and discuss various treatment options based on the joints affected and severity of the arthritis. Never give a pet any human medication – only what your vet prescribes. It has been proven that joint supplements both greatly reduce inflammation in the joints, and the need for medication. Look out for a supplement that contains chondroitin, glucosamine and green lipped mussel extract. Glucosamine is effective in reducing pain and joint inflammation, while chondroitin has a synergistic effect with glucosamine and aids in cartilage repair. Green lipped mussel extract (GLM) contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids that helps reduce joint inflammation, and there is evidence that GLM reinforces

the activity of some antiinflammatories, and markedly reduces gastric ulceration associated with their use. Besides feeding a joint friendly diet, you can provide padded bedding, consider acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and low impact, short interval exercise to keep your pet comfortable and pain free. With the right approach your pet can still lead a long, happy life.

Dr Karien Brink qualified from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria in 2010. She worked at Valley Farm Animal hospital from 2011-2019, before joining RCL. She has a special interest in animal behaviour and dermatology, and is passionate about nutrition advice and preventative health care for pets. Drop her a message at ultra-pet.co.za/dr-karienscorner/ if you have any questions

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For the love of ELEPHANTS

5min
pages 50-52

Is this the time to BUY?

5min
pages 56-57

Sharing office SPACE

2min
pages 24-25

Let the river RUN

4min
pages 28-29

Modern History

3min
pages 46-49

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

1min
page 8

We are the champions

4min
pages 20-22

A modern education SOLUTION

3min
pages 30-31

Fabulous Free-from Food

1min
page 7

Welcome to our new home

1min
page 7

One Pot WONDERS

4min
pages 36-37

Speaking power to sugar

4min
pages 32-34

The value of SCHOOL

3min
pages 14-15

One Life - LIVE IT

1min
page 9

The Office

1min
pages 24-25

Solar makes sense!

1min
page 25

Don't GIVE UP

6min
pages 10-12

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

1min
page 6

Dombolo DUMPLINGS

1min
page 35

Joint Disease

2min
page 44

Preparing boys for LIFE

1min
pages 18-19

Woman in LAW

2min
page 23

Pushing the LIMITS

3min
pages 54-55

IS THIS THE TIME TO BUY?

9min
pages 56-60

FOR THE LOVE OF ELEPHANTS

10min
pages 50-55

SPEAKING POWER TO SUGAR

7min
pages 32-35

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

5min
pages 26-27

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

6min
pages 20-23

A MODERN EDUCATION SOLUTION

3min
pages 30-31

LET THE RIVER RUN

4min
pages 28-29

THE VALUE OF SCHOOL

9min
pages 14-19

SHARING OFFICE SPACE

3min
pages 24-25

DON T GIVE UP

5min
pages 10-13

COMMUNITY

1min
page 9
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