what if i do nothing?

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TOD SAYS...

Arthritis is a painful and progressive disease, and a major cause of elective euthanasia in dogs.

The disease process begins in one or more joints, but the effects are soon felt elsewhere in the body, as the dog shifts their weight away from the painful joint(s) onto other limbs. Over time the structures that would normally support the affected joint (e.g. the muscles, tendons and ligaments) become dysfunctional and weak through lack of use. In simple terms ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’. The pain associated with joint use becomes persistent due to ‘central sensitisation’ and the dog is likely to experience more pain from everyday activities, even a gentle stroke. Other regions of the body also become painful due to injuries from overuse as a result of compensatory weight shifting away from the painful and weak limbs affected by arthritis.

Dogs, like humans, have different tolerance levels of disease and pain. Some dogs manage well with significant arthritic changes, whereas other dogs suffer terribly with what may be considered mild disease. Treating arthritis should always be dictated by the severity that the patient suggests. It is not appropriate to treat what the radiographs or physical changes suggest. Instead, the dog’s perception of pain should drive the management plan.

For many dogs, even those that initially coped with the disease very well, the challenge of living with arthritic joints eventually becomes all consuming, and their quality of life will wane. Managing pain and reduced function from not only the primary location, but also the overworked areas that have been compensating for the affected limb(s), will challenge their coping strategies.

Over time the dog’s limb(s) will weaken and the pain will increase. Eventually owners witness their dog not willing to stand up, not willing to walk, and not able to interact. At this stage the dog’s quality of life will be considered poor and the decision to humanely euthanise will need to be made.

By intervening as early as possible, this process can be slowed down. The pain can be eased, and the dog’s mobility, quality of life, and bond with their human companion can be maintained.

Early identification and action are the keys to successful osteoarthritis management. If you would like information on how to manage your dog’s condition, subscribe to our FREE Owner Guide to Managing Arthritis email series.

knowing when it’s time

No-one wants to say goodbye to their loved pet. Research shows us that losing your pet can hurt as much as losing a relative or close friend which emphasises how emotionally difficult it can be for that owner.

CAM HAS A BOOKLET DESIGNED TO HELP!

You can purchase CAM’s ‘End of Life Care‘ booklet from the CAM online Shop in print format.

Or why not join our CAM MEMBER ZONE where you will gain access to all our CAM booklets in digital format as well as a wealth of information, videos, downloads, forum and much more...

CAM can help...

Our mission is to make caring appropriately for your dog with arthritis as stress free as possible, helping you to enjoy your time together with your pet. Doing nothing isn’t an option, so check out all our information on Managing Arthritis, and take a look at all the more active ways we can help, too.

MANAGING ARTHRITIS?

Follow our practical and easy advice to help make life much more comfortable for your canine friend.

BECOME A CAM MEMBER

Join our Member Zone to gain access to everything CAM has to offer to help you and your dog’s journey with arthritis.