Canine/Feline Lameness and Arthritis

Description: Osteoarthritis is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints.

Symptoms & What to look for: Depending on the cause of your pets’ lameness we can see a wide variety of abnormalities. You may see limping, holding the leg up or an inability to use the leg. You may otherwise notice difficulty getting up, using stairs, standing for long periods or sitting normally. These symptoms may ‘come and go’ or be constantly present.

How does it happen? Pets can experience trauma (rough-housing with other pets, falling, objects falling on the pet) resulting in lameness. We can also see lameness as the result of skeletal changes within the joint.

Dog Teeth
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What questions do we ask?

  • How long have you noticed the limping?
  • Which leg(s) are affected?
  • How often does he/she limp? Is it worse at a particular time of the day?
  • History of trauma?
  • Any limping in the past?
  • Have you tried anything at home?
  • Is he/she on any medications? Include dosage and frequency.

What are the steps we take to treat your pet?

  • The first step in diagnosing and treating your pet is a taking a thorough history and completing a physical exam. We may want to perform radiographs (x-rays) of the injured leg to identify any abnormalities and better target our treatment. We commonly sedate pets that are having radiographs done. This sedation eliminates pain and discomfort to allow for a better exam of the injured area and better positioning for the radiograph.
  • We may also recommend some general blood testing (chemistry panel and complete blood count) to check organ function and ensure our treatment plan will be safe for your pet.

What are potential treatment plans for dogs?

Oral medications

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS (Carprofen, Galliprant, Deracoxib, Metacam): these medications decrease inflammation and control pain. This is often a “first-line” treatment.
  • Gabapentin: this is a pain medication that is commonly used for neuropathic pain and is good as a “first-line” treatment or as an “add-on” for additional pain control.
  • Tramadol: this is a pain medication that is commonly used as an “add-on” for additional pain control.
  • Joint supplements (dasuquin, synovi chews) and Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements are often prescribed.

Injections

  • Librela: this is a once monthly injection that provides long-term osteoarthritis pain. It is the first monoclonal antibody that works to reduce pain signals, making it easier for your dog to move and play!
  • Adequan: this component targets joints to help restore lubrication, relieve inflammation and renew the building blocks of healthy cartilage. The injections have an accumulative effect so we start out giving one injection per week for 4 weeks then one injection every other week followed by one injection monthly indefinitely.

What are potential treatment plans for cats?

Oral medications

  • Gabapentin: this is a pain medication that is commonly used for neuropathic pain and is good as a “first-line” treatment or as an “add-on” for additional pain control.

Injections

  • Solensia: this is a once monthly injection that provides long-term osteoarthritis pain. It is the first monoclonal antibody that works to reduce pain signals, making it easier for your cat to move and play!

Chiropractic adjustments & Laser Therapy are available if indicated!

What results have we seen

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Librela Testimonials:

COPPER – OWNER CONNIE TERRIAN

"The main problem for Copper was “she was in pain, she couldn’t even walk or hold her head up sometimes. She would only play for a couple of minutes, then she was done for the day. She was sleeping all the time.” After her first Librela injection, “she was better even the next day! She is getting in her toybox now and playing, and she hasn’t done that in months, and she is sleeping less.” Copper was given a monthly subcutaneous injection of Librela, a safe, new monoclonal antibody treatment for arthritis pain in dogs. Copper’s owner thinks she is “doing excellent, wonderful, and very thankful she is doing so much better!”

NALA  – OWNER STEPHANIE SANDERS

“Prior to Librela, Nala had difficulty climbing stairs, jumping up on the bed, and could not play. Basically,
she laid around and slept most of the day. Her bed time sleep would be interrupted several times. Her
appetite was diminished and she might go two feedings before eating again. Within the first three days, she started to play with her sister, going on walks, and her sleep was less restless. She began using the stairs, she could get into bed most of the time. Our experience with Librela has been “very positive. We will be using Librela for the rest of her life. We recommend Animal Doctor to everyone we know looking for quality veterinary services. We are treated like family. Every visit or call has helped us make better decisions for Nala’s treatment for a healthier life. If you are undecided about using Librela on your dogs, Nala is 13 ½ years old and she is acting young again!”
What are the risks if lameness is left untreated?

  • Lameness can be a medical problem that requires treatment. If left untreated, your pets’ condition may progress leading to more inflammation, pain and a decreased quality of life.

We have treated pets with extreme symptoms of lameness with success in providing comfort and improved quality of life. You can expect to see improvement within days of your veterinary visit.

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Animal Doctor Provider

Dr. Jennifer Arneson has over 20 years of experience managing lameness in pets. Her broad knowledge of the field has helped many pets lead happier and healthier lives.

Dr. Leigh Wacker has 4 years of experience managing lameness cases with many successful outcomes.

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