Canine Osteoarthritis Newsletter Fall 2020
Best Arthritis Treatments for Dogs
We want our dogs to play and swim for many years
Veterinary Orthopedic Exam at 16 Weeks Old
We need to keep our dogs limber and playful into old age. How do we do this? For starters, your veterinarian can examine your puppy carefully for any signs of pain. Puppies should not have pain. If your puppy shows pain or if your puppy has a “cute, weird, quirky, unique way of sitting, standing, walking, or running, you should be highly suspicious that your puppy needs intervention to stay as healthy as possible. Most osteoarthritis in dogs starts with hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These are abnormalities of the shape and function of the elbows and hips that puppies may be born with. If they are detected in a very young puppy, there are several interventions to help them grow better and have less pain when they are older.
Puppies should not have pain. And a puppy who “sits quirky” or has other unique ways of moving may be compensating for elbow or hip dysplasia,” says Doc Truli.
Puppies Need to Slow Growth to Decrease Osteoarthritis When They are Older
Keep your puppies growing slowly, or they may suffocate their friends
Most importantly, puppies need to grow slowly. A dog expected to be over 44 pounds fully grown should eat large breed puppy food. They should absolutely not be fed adult food or be changed to adult food too early. Why? Because carbohydrates feed rapid growth and the adult food is proportionally less protein and more carbohydrates. Grain-free does not mean carbohydrate free. Novel carbohydrates like potatoes, chick peas, quinoa and green peas fill in for the grains to reach the carbohydrate requirements of the food. These still promote rapid growth and need to be a minimal proportion of the puppy food.
Dogs Have Less Arthritis When Walked 60 Minutes a Day
Dogs who had 60 minutes or more of exercise a day had less osteoarthritis problems than dogs with 20 minutes or less exercise a day. 2 nice 30 minute walks every day with a human companion is relaxing and healthy.
Ask your veterinary team if you need help designing a healthy exercise schedule that is not too much or too little. If your dog is arthritic, your veterinarian may be able to refer you for a consultation with veterinarian certified in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. They have cavalettis and underwater treadmills and massage therapists and protocols for cookie-inspired stretch routines you can do at home.
Skinny Dogs Feel Better
Dogs will beg for food even when they are not hungry.
Dogs who have their meals portion controlled and are not allowed to become fat will have less arthritis problems than they otherwise would have had. And getting fat and then losing weight still means they deteriorate their cartilage during the fat months and years! Better to keep them lean their whole lives. Your veterinarian can teach you how.
Canine Osteoarthritis Newsletter Fall 2020
Dr Truli provides in home consultations and therapy to the Tampa Bay, Florida area. She can provide exams, physical therapy plans, acupuncture, laser therapy, herbal medicine, Rx medicines, blood work including a neat osteoarthritis screening panel. Dr Truli partners with local specialists for Sports Rehab. Orthopedic Surgery, and Neurology.
