WHAT CAN BE DONE?

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TOD SAYS...

With lots of treatment options available, it can be overwhelming at first but you will find what works for you and your dog.

Caring for a dog with arthritis doesn't have to be stressful - follow our practical advice to help to make life more comfortable for your canine friend.

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with arthritis, or you’ve been managing the disease for some time but are finding your treatment plan isn’t working, then you’re in the right place.

There are lots of treatment options available, and it can seem overwhelming at first. Remember that each dog, and each dog owner are different, and that what works for one dog may not work for another. There may be some trial and error initially, but you will find what works for you and your dog.

There are many ways to manage arthritis, but three rules apply to all approaches.

RULE ONE

IDENTIFY

The owner of the dog must identify the signs of discomfort their dog expresses. These are unique to that dog and that owner and are often subtle, such as short-lived enthusiasm when exercised, scuffing of nails or pads when walking, moving with an arch in their back, difficulty getting up and laying down, or toileting on the move. Using these specific signs, the owner can decide whether their chosen management plan for their dog is working, or whether other options should be tried or added. Noting your dog’s specific signs can be very useful when monitoring change.

Rule Two

UNDERSTAND

The owner must understand arthritis is not curable but progressive. All treatment options are aimed at managing the problem, not fixing it. The disease will progress, although hopefully slower. The level of management and the types of treatment needed will change with time and the owner must respond to these changes.

Rule Three

MONITOR

Finally, the best way to offer your dog a pain-free life for as long as possible, is to use several different treatment options together. It is unlikely that one option on its own will be enough.

CAM’S PYRAMID OF POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS

This pyramid is NOT a step-by-step approach to managing your dog’s condition, it is designed to highlight how important owner-led interventions are when managing arthritis.

Click on a “slab” to learn more. There are so many positive changes that you, the owner, can make which are low cost and easy to implement.
#YOURDOGMOREYEARS, is what we all want, and CAM hopes to help you achieve this.

CAM strongly advises that you seek veterinary support if you feel that your dog is in pain.

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT

EARLY IDENTIFICATION

Early identification of the signs of reduced mobility capability and energy levels, change in behaviour, and change in body shape and posture

ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS

Work closely with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Work closely with your vet and therapist to create a unique management plan for your dog

USE PAIN INDICATORS

Use validated questionnaires or chronic pain indicators unique to your dog to tailor and update your management plan

COMBINE TOOLS

Use a combination of tools for good pain control and to slow the progression of the disease- the multimodal approach

HOME ADAPTATIONS

Don't underestimate the benefits of home and garden adaptations - they're easy and effective

EXERCISE PLANS

Don't underestimate the benefits of a unique and tailored exercise plan

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

Modifying habits, routine and hobbies to suit their capability can have a huge impact on their pain and the progression of the disease

MULTIMODAL APPROACH

Don’t overlook a multimodal approach including complementary therapies such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy

REACT PROMPTLY

React promptly to changes in your dog’s mobility, capability and behaviour

REASSESS REGULARLY

Reassess your dog regularly (every 1-3 months) to pick up on signs of deterioration or concurrent conditions early

USE CAM RESOURCES

Knowledge is power! Use CAM”s wealth of information to get hints and tips for improved long-term management

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