Degenerative joint disease is a disease which often sneaks up on us.  A fun mix of genetics and environment/ nature and nurture.  We see large breeds and overweight pets occupy an uneven proportion of the patients with clinical signs.

I think this is a relatively easy disease in which owners can relate to.  Sore backs, sore feet, sore legs, sore hips, sore necks, we have all those body parts and so do our pets!  Aging quite often plays a role (due to natural wear and tear) but every so often body confirmation and genetics can play the part.  Chronic in nature, muscle and joint pain is often approached from many different angles. Combining nutritional support with pharmaceutical pain relief as well as weight loss and physiotherapy.

The best approach is always prevention, full stop. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  No truer words have ever been spoken however we must keep in mind if we keep our fur-balls healthy long enough even with our best efforts and intentions joints will wear.

Often with my patients as they begin to age I will advise clients to start thinking about adding in supplements which will serve to help protect and nourish the joints.  As we start to see stiffness and pain often adding in pain medication such as non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or opiates is required.  Physiotherapy and weight loss rounds out this multi-modal approach.

Take Home:

1. Nutriceuticals: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are nutritional compounds that help minimize joint wear and helps provide support. Start these early! before they start showing signs! Look for a supplement that has all three.
2. Pharmaceuticals: Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID) help to moderate the inflammation cascade, removing inflammation and helping with pain, these are not typically started until we see clinical signs. They require frequent yearly blood work to ensure that your pets organs can metabolize and excrete them appropriately without causing harm.  Opiates are another drug that may be used, in my personal experience they don’t seem to offer as great pain control as NSAIDs but are the perfect option as an add on or as the primary drug for a pet with impaired organ function.
3. Weight loss and physiotherapy: These may belong at the top of the list, they are at the core of minimizing pain and strain on joints.  Simple fact, skinny/fit pets have less pain and strain than overweight pets.