Obviously arthritis is a topic which many pet owners find of interest as there was a good turn out for our recent practice meeting. This is hardly surprising, given that most of us, as well as our pets, are likely to experience this problem in later life but it was made clear that younger age groups can also be affected, either as a result of family tendencies, birth defects such as hip dysplasia or due to injury. 

 

A series of speakers gave an excellent overview of arthritis - predisposing causes, underlying pathology, diagnosis, and, most importantly, prevention and treatment. 

 

The evening began with a power point presentation about the basic structure of synovial joints - for example, those in the limbs. This was followed by an explanation of how joints become arthritic, starting with compromised or damaged cartilage causing loss of shock absorbency, which leads to grating of bone against bone (crepitus). This worsens as reduced production of synovial fluid decreases lubrication. These two factors cause inflammation and discomfort followed by stiffness and decreased range of movement as the body attempts to control the pain by producing new bone and fusing the joint. As the surrounding muscles begin to atrophy, there is less support to the affected joint, so it becomes more vulnerable to further damage. Overall, a cumulative process leading to a permanently damaged joint, but via many stages which might be circumvented or ameliorated. 

 

This naturally led on to ways we can help including: 

 

 

It is important to maintain optimum weight to reduce excess stress on damaged joints. As exercise may need to be modified, reduced calorie diets are the best way of decreasing weight if needed. 

As the basic cause of arthritis is defective/damaged cartilage then it is helpful to include elements which decrease breakdown and/or encourage production of healthy cartilage. This can be in the form of modified food or as a supplement. 

 

 

Each animal needs an individualised plan to encourage healthy activity and maintain suppleness and muscle strength whilst minimising further damage. Consider several shorter walks spread over the day rather than one intense bout of exercise which might lead to stiffness. 

Hydrotherapy helps with these aims; the warm water supports the body and encourages increased joint movement, whilst avoiding the concussion caused by any ground based exercise yet provides good resistance to help increase muscle strength. 

 

Think carefully about ways of helping your pet deal with the challenges of daily life eg. preventing access to stairs or providing steps, ramps. 

 

 

 

Cats are a special case - it is estimated that at least 90% of cats over the age of 12 years are adversely affected by arthritis due to their athletic lifestyle, but often this is not recognised - partly because the are naturally stoical but also because the changes they show are more subtle than in dogs. They rarely limp as often multiple joints are affected and so the lameness is disguised 

 

 

An example of good hips 

An example of a dog with hip dysplasia of its right hip (on left as you view the xray). Notice how the hip 'ball' is not sitting in the socket.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Free Firework Evening was held on Thursday the 21st of July and was a great success. Please see below for information from the evening.  

 

 

We are always happy to see you and your pet and discuss which course of action might be of most benefit. 

 

Fear is a perfectly normal emotion which helps individuals deal with dangerous situations – either by attacking or by running and hiding (fight or flight). However, when placed in a situation where neither of these reactions is possible, or where the response is inappropriate, the ensuing panic attack may lead to injury to your pet as well as damage to your property. 

 

Many cats and dogs are afraid of loud and sudden noises and in some individuals the fear becomes extreme leading to: 

 

•Shaking 

•Salivation 

•Howling, barking or hissing 

•Loss of bowel and bladder control 

•Destructiveness 

•Hiding or running away 

 

These reactions may become more marked the longer the noise continues and often continue long after the noise has stopped. If you ignore this problem, it is likely to worsen with repeated exposure (unless your pet becomes deaf with increasing age). This is because the fear itself is an unpleasant experience. Animals can also lear to associate the scary noise with other things and the fear can generalise e.g. to cars/ rain, so older animals left untreated can develop ‘life’ phobia! 

 

 

 

Neither of these products have any sedative effects, so can safely be used for allaying fear in any circumstances. Not only can they be used alone or in combination with other remedies for fear of fireworks but they can also be used for added support during desensitisation and counter conditioning.  

 

 

 

 

Scullcap is a gentle herbal remedy useful for treating anxiety, nervousness, excitability and noise phobias. It does not cause drowsiness or impair normal behaviour, so in addition to being used for allaying firework fears, it can help reduce stress and improve concentration during a desensitisation programme. 

 

Dose: Dogs and cats 1-2 tablets\5kg twice daily with the second dose being given 2 hours before dusk 

Valerian compound acts within 30 minutes and is useful as a rapid top up for previous doses of Skullcap and Valerian tablets or on its own when it is difficult to administer tablets. It can be added to food or given directly by mouth and in fractious cats can be dripped onto a paw (and licked off) or onto bedding (for inhalation). 

 

Cats: 0.25 teaspoonful orally and/or a few drops on bedding. Give less to very thin cats 

 

Dogs: Small breeds 0.25 teaspoonful by mouth 

Medium breeds 0.5 teaspoonful by mouth 

Large breeds 1 teaspoonful by mouth 

Giant breeds 1.5 teaspoonful by mouth 

 

If you know that your pet has suffered with severe firework stress in the past, then begin treatment up to 3 weeks prior to the firework season. In milder cases start 1 week beforehand. When the fireworks are at their worst, it is quite safe to give a double dose. Treatment can be continued for as long as necessary, until all risk of sudden bangs has passed. 

 

Note: Although safe in most animals, herbal treatments should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. 

 

 

Zylkene helps to manage stress in many common situations in cats and dogs. It can also help your pet to adapt to change. It is a palatable product and is easy to give with food. 

 

Zylkene can be used for both short-term stress e.g. kennel or cattery stay, fireworks or long term e.g. for multi cat households. 

 

Zylkene short term should be started 1-2 days before the fireworks are anticipated. It can be continued throughout the firework period and then stopped. 

 

Zylkene long term can be used in pets undergoing sound desensitisation as feeling more relaxed can help learning. 

 

Cats 75mg up to 5kg 1 capsule a day 

Small dogs 75mg Between 5 and 10kg 2 capsules a day 

Medium dogs 225mg Between 10 and 20kg 1 capsule a day 

Large dogs 450mg Between 20 and 40kg 1 capsule a day 

450mg Over 40kg 2 capsules a day 

 

 

There are several homeopathic remedies which can have remarkable effects on noise phobias. Please speak to Janet Nuttall if you are interested. 

Although not available from the surgery, you might like to investigate this option at your local health food store 

 

Avoid sedatives – this may seem an obvious solution but will often exacerbate the problem next time. Not only do sedatives increase sensitivity to noise, but also by leading to drowsiness and incoordination, your pet has no control of the situation so leading to increased fear. 

 

Sedatives also decrease the learning ability and will have a negative impact on any remedial training you are trying.