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Health News for Your Pet |
RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN IN ANIMALS
By Dr. David J. DeQuick, DVM
Thanks to advanced medical
care, technology, and pets’ changing status as members of the family,
companion animals are leading longer lives. Unfortunately, the growing
senior pet population means more animals suffer from chronic pain. This
pain can be derived from neoplasia, neurologic conditions, myopathies,
or chronic inflammatory conditions, especially, osteoarthritis (OA),
which is the leading cause of chronic pain in pets.
 Variable responses among
species to pain and distress make recognition of the problem difficult.
Pain is considered to be universally protective in nature and part of
the flight and fright mechanism. Unfortunately, pets can’t tell their
owner where they hurt or tell if the problem corresponds to pain or is
one of anxiety or fear. If you see signs of discomfort, stiffness and
lameness, your pet is probably in pain. Dogs display a wide variety of
responses to pain. They may be violent and vocalize or quiet, withdrawn
and inactive. They may be aggressive when approached, as they try to
protect themselves from further pain, or they may be subdued or
withdrawn. They may lick at the affected area or even lay their ears
flat against their head.
A key to recognizing pain is
present in your pet is to look for a change of behavior. Osteoarthritis
(OA) is a chronic condition that progressively manifests itself over
time. Pain, stiffness and lameness increase as the condition worsens.
Behavioral changes such as decreased activity, reluctance to run, jump,
climb stairs or play, limping, difficulty rising, sitting or squatting
to eliminate, lagging behind on walks, soreness when touched, yelping or
whimpering, loss of appetite and acting aggressive or withdrawn are
classic signs of worsening OA. Since signs of pain are often subtle and
can be confused with a perception of “old age”, it requires astute
observation of your pet to pick up on these changes.
Approximately, 20% of all
adult dogs suffer with progressive OA. Controlling chronic pain
involves pharmacologic, physical, environmental, and behavioral
management. Providing pain relief via drug therapy is an important
means of control. Environmental and behavioral management are important
adjuncts to drug therapy. Appropriate patient care includes a
comfortable ambient temperature and level of humidity, adequate bedding,
satisfactory rest and sleep, compassionate care, and owner visitation
provides psychological well-being of the patient, thus enabling the
patient to tolerate its painful state better.
There is no cure for OA. It
is a chronic disease that requires continuous treatment but early
detection and careful management can reduce your pet’s pain and improve
his quality of life. Pain relief drugs include steroidal and
non-steroidal (NSAID’s) compounds. Because of potential harmful
side-effects of regular usage of steroidal drugs, NSAID’s are commonly
prescribed, specifically, Rimadyl and Deramaxx. These
products are found to relieve pain by inhibiting the production of an
enzyme called COX-2, thereby blocking a process that creates
prostaglandins, the enzymes that are associated with pain and
inflammation.
Additional pain relief
therapy can be achieved by providing nutritional supplementation to the
intricate components of the inner aspects of the joints. The joint
capsule absorbs the shock of impact of motion and cartilage
prevents the ends of the bones from damaging each other while in
motion. The inner synovial membrane shields the joint and
contains the synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the
joint and forms a barrier to inflammatory cells. Joints rely on healthy
synovial fluid to transport the vital nutrients needed by cartilage and
other connective tissues. As articular cartilage becomes damaged it has
considerable difficulty in repairing itself because it does not receive
blood circulation and must rely on the weakened synovial fluid for
nourishment. As articular cartilage degeneration progresses, it exposes
the bone to friction during movement, which causes inflammation and then
pain which leads to decreased mobility. Glucosamine and
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like Perna Canaliculus and Sea Algae are nutraceutical (natural NSAID supplement) products which stimulate
synovial fluid synthesis and replenish the essential building blocks
necessary to maintain a healthy cartilage matrix which aids in
preventing joint degradation.
GAGs
are chondroprotective agents that help rebuild damaged connective
tissues and provide lubricating properties to the synovial fluid.
Glucosamine is an integral part of the “glue” that holds tissue
cells together and is necessary for production of key tissue components
that rejuvenate and maintain articular cartilage.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural dietary sulfur compound
which helps to lessen pain associated with inflammation and is added to
supplements which are manufactured for preventative care supplements
which enhance joint health, strength, energy and mobility. Creatine
Monohydrate, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidants
(Vitamin E, Lipoic Acid and Grape Seed Extract), Vitamins and
Minerals are also added to these products to help strengthen muscles
and tendons and further enhance anti-inflammatory action.
Current therapy for OA has
progressed significantly through the past several years which have
helped to extend our beloved pets lives and provide profound pain
relief. Reversing the degeneration of the inner joint components and
stimulating repair processes provides a better opportunity for the joint
to return to normal. This is achieved via a multiplicity of medications
as well as weight loss, controlled exercise, nutraceuticals, diet and
adjunct therapy such as acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments to
achieve optimal results. This enables our four-legged family members to
maintain mobility which leads to more play and tail-wagging even in
their senior years.
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