Joint Disease

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

Osteoarthritis 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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