ARTHRITIS – NEW TREATMENTS The Experts

As winter temperature arrive, we often see an increase in arthritis cases in both young and old pets. One in five dogs suffers from the pain and disability caused by arthritis. Cats can also suffer from the damaging effects of this condition and may have difficulty grooming themselves or going to the toilet.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs but as pets are unable to communicate their pain, the early signs of this illness are often missed or simply attributed to old age. Yet arthritis is a chronic, painful, degenerative condition that can develop gradually over time, affecting one or more joints (typically the hips, knees and elbows) and causing much inflammation and pain. Arthritis is not limited to certain breeds and it can affect any pet at any age. It can influence a pet’s quality of life and prevent it from enjoying simple, daily activities such as walking, running or playing.

Signs that a pet may be suffering from arthritis

• reluctance to walk or play

• limping

• stiffness of joints in the morning or after a sleep

• licking or biting of joints

• difficulty in rising from a resting position

Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district.

• difficulty in climbing stairs

• change in personality – less happy and playful or sometimes aggressive and irritable

Managing arthritis

Arthritis cannot be cured. The key to controlling the pain associated with arthritis is managing the inflammation within the joints. The added benefit to this is that with proper management, progression can be slowed.

• Weight control is extremely important when managing the symptoms and minimising the progression of arthritis. Excess weight will put additional pressure on already affected joints.

• Walking and swimming are the best forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis.

• Omega 3 fatty acids help block the inflammation around joints that causes pain. They also suppress the activity of an enzyme that causes cartilage damage, thus slowing the progression of arthritis.

• Joint cartilage protective medications aim to increase joint fluid production and increase blood supply to joint surfaces. The use of polysulphate injections have been proven to slow the progression of arthritis and help control the pain associated with the disease. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to help control the pain associated with arthritis

• Some amazing medical breakthroughs in medication to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis in dogs and cats have become available for both dogs and cats. They are proving to be highly beneficial in treating the pain of arthritis. These injections are a monoclonal antibody that is injected under the skin and targets a protein that stimulates pain in arthritic patients.

• Neutraceuticals such as Green Lipped Mussel have also shown good results in assisting dogs with arthritis. These products contain chondroitin and or glucosamine.

• There are many prescription joint diets for both dogs and cats that have been shown to assist in alleviating the discomfort and improving the workings of diseased joints.

We offer

•Vaccinations

•Microchipping

•Dental care

•Radiography

•Surgery

Camille and all the staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital wish to thank everyone who voted for us in the 2021 Penrith City Local Business Awards. are grateful for the continued support friendship of our clients and their pets.

•Ultrasound

We won the Pet Care category in 2015, and 2019, and we are looking forward to the 2021 awards presentation!

Contact us!

4736 2027

49 Wentworth Road,Orchard Hills, NSW 2748

Monday - Friday: 8:00am-7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9.00am-3.00pm

This week the Sun/Uranus link wakes up a work project or fires up a family dream. And how are you really feeling?

The Sun and Mercury energise your wellbeing zone. So it’s a good time to review your health and fitness; plus revise your diet and exercise routine. Then make appropriate adjustments and improvements. But they must be creative tweaks that specifically suit your idiosyncratic Aquarian style.

Horoscopes

Are you still blaming yourself for mistakes you made many moons ago? Or are you still holding a grudge towards someone who wronged you many years ago? It’s time to forgive others – and yourself – for transgressions from the past. So your mantra is from author Marianne Williamson, “Forgiveness is not always easy. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” The Sun and Uranus encourage fresh adventures!

The planetary patterns highlight freedom, independence, adventure and creative projects. If you pace yourself and prioritise, then you’ll get things done without feeling rushed and frazzled. It’s also a good week to socialise with family, close friends and work colleagues, as you participate in some lively and stimulating conversations. But avoid getting drawn into an argument where you end up saying things that you later regret.

Careful communication is the key to an agreeable week. The Sun and Uranus encourage you to blast away redundant attitudes, release old grudges and let bygones be bygones. Plus Mercury and Venus encourage you to work through domestic dramas and family squabbles in a proactive and diplomatic way. And Mars pushes you to get moving! As Henry David Thoreau said, “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”

Don’t allow a loved one to manipulate you on Monday or Tuesday, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment. Have the emotional strength to stand your ground and say no. With your ruler Mercury moving into Leo, you’ve got energy to burn but make sure you channel it into productive pursuits. Mental activities and current affairs are favoured, as you pick up information with speed.

Prepare for a contrary kind of week Crabs! The current celestial cocktail includes a Sun/Uranus connection. So you’re in the mood for change but you’re also feeling sentimental, as you revisit the past and wallow in an ocean of emotion. Uranus encourages you to look to the future with fresh eyes, a curious mind and a full heart. When it comes to your local community, shake off your shyness and get involved.

Unpredictable Uranus links up with the fiery Sun, so boredom is a big no-no this week. Search out unusual people, places and activities, especially connected with your long-term career and future direction. You’ll favour excitement and novel ideas over the tried and tested. When it comes to routine work, health, and secrets, do your research. Things aren’t as straight-forward as they seem. Get someone you trust to help you out.

Your very discreet Virgo nature is emphasised, as Mercury moves from your peer group zone into your solitude zone. Make it a priority to connect with like-minded people who understand your particular peccadillos and strong need for privacy. A loved one could be temperamental, so handle them with extra care and don’t try to work out where they are coming from. Travel and group activities are favoured on the weekend.

This week a relationship with a work colleague could be re-energised, as you find exciting new ways to relate, debate and communicate. Don’t be afraid of change! Be inspired by Harrison Ford, “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.” With Venus and Mercury visiting your peer group zone, a dash of diplomacy and improved communication skills will help smooth over a troubled friendship.

On Monday and Tuesday, you’ll feel intense, argumentative and/or troubled. For the rest of the week, focus on revamping a close relationship as you get the strained partnership heading in a promising new direction. With Jupiter and Uranus transiting through your partnership zone, it’s time to charge up your charisma and call in a few old favours. Others will find your magnetic Scorpio charms hard to resist!

The current stars are all about the big two – sex and money – as the Sun stimulates your joint finances and intimacy zone. But avoid putting your foot firmly in your mouth via tactless talk or an impulsive remark. Those around you can expect some boisterous behaviour from you on the weekend when the Sun and Uranus rev up your reckless side. Try to burn off excess energy via vigorous physical activities.

Uranus and the Sun activate creative projects and fire up relationships. But the Mercury/Pluto opposition could complicate a romantic or platonic partnership. So aim to be creative and compassionate – but also robust and resilient. Then the bumps along the road will only make you stronger. It’s a good week to become more involved with volunteer projects and philanthropic pursuits, especially in your neighbourhood.