Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis

Canine osteoarthritis cannot be cured, although several medicinal options are available to treat this disease.  New medications are constantly being placed on the market to provide relief of the inflammation, joint pain, and swelling associated with osteoarthritis.  Anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs work to reduce the tenderness and swelling, while improving joint mobility; making it less painful, as well as, easier for dogs to move around. 

Pet owners should take preventative measures to practice weight control, massage painful areas, and prevent strenuous activities; therefore, making daily living more pleasurable for the pet. 

Aspirin is still one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.  Oral medications called Nutraceuticals, are on the market and take approximately a month to reach therapeutic levels in the blood stream.  Minimal to no side effects have been reported by pet owners giving them to their dogs.  Injectable disease modifying agents are injected into a muscle, vein, or joint; thus, increasing the speed in which therapeutic levels can be reached.