The Cost OF MANAGING ARTHRITIS
TOD SAYS...
Don’t be embarrassed to discuss costs with your vet or therapist. Finding a suitable cost-effective approach that works for you and your dog is paramount.
A diagnosis of arthritis in your dog may create an avalanche of emotions, one being the fear of the ongoing costs of treatment. This is totally understandable!
There are many treatment options for canine arthritis, from simple weight loss to major reconstructive surgery. There is no one size fits all, and it is rare that positive interventions are not possible on all budgets.
Here is a very brief glimpse of approaches available and whether they are considered minimal, moderate or high cost.
Minimal cost: weight loss, lifestyle adaptations, exercise modification
Moderate cost: medications, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, supplements, other complementary therapies
High cost: surgery, rehabilitative therapies such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, biological therapies like stem cells or platelet rich plasma.
This list is far from exhaustive, and also does not offer a cost over time perspective. For instance hip replacement surgery may be very expensive initially but may lead to minimal ongoing costs of management once completed, whereas medication falls into moderate upfront costs but may be life long.
CAM advises all followers never to be embarrassed to discuss costs with your vet or therapist. Many people have financial limitations on the care they can provide, and this does not make you a less caring or dedicated owner. “Where there is a will there will be a way” and a management approach can be found. Your vet and CAM will be able to guide you to help prioritise where to spend your money.
