Osteoarthritis
Treatments
for Dogs & Cats 
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Osteoarthritis (OA)is a debilitating, irreversible condition that affects multiple issues comprising the joint environment including the synovium, cartilage and bone. Approximately 90% of cats over 12 years of age are affected, whereas 20% of the canine population suffers from it.
Treatment falls into two categories - surgical vs. non-surgical.
In the surgical approach, there are mostly specific cases to recommend its use:
- Hip replacements for dysplasia
- Cruciate repairs
- Deformity corrections
In the medical approach there are more general uses:
- NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
are the most common drug prescribed for management of arthritic pain.
NOTE:Use of NSAIDS in cats is off label and should be done with caution. There is a high risk for thromboembolic disease(TE) in humans, whether it'll exist in dogs and cats is not known at this time.
- Nutraceuticals-At this time not enough studies have been done to assess its efficacy and is viewed by the FDA as a nutritional supplement.
- Physical Therapy - Exercise has been stated to be the most effective non-pharmacologic modality for pain reduction. Swimming maintains the range of motion without risking additional articular injuries.
 
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