Osteoarthritis is a common condition observed in our canine and feline patients. Although most often thought of as a condition of older animals the truth it occurs in all age groups. Sometimes it is the result of injury or excessive wear and tear exacerbated by obesity. Genetic predisposition, developmental abnormalities, infections and inappropriate immune responses can all result in joint surface damage and degenerative arthritis.
Regardless of the cause there are now multiple therapies to address the inflammation and pain associated with this progressive condition. Incorporating dietary management with appropriate supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, judicial use of complementary therapies like acupuncture, therapeutic lasers, intra-articular injections, and when necessary surgery, improvements in mobility, and quality of life can be obtained.