Treatment options
The treatment of osteoarthritis is designed to relieve the clinical signs and can help slow the progression, though it is palliative care as joint degeneration is permanent and progressive. Proactive treatment plans could consist of a course of arthritis injections known as pentosan. The injections help to treat the associated pain of osteoarthritis and are typically given once weekly over a course of 4 weeks. Pentosan can improve the amount of joint fluid and aid in lubrication of the joints, as well as protect the cartilage. Dietary additives known as nutraceuticals, with extracts of green-lipped mussel can aid in the reduction of pain and swelling. Given daily in food, dietary additives contain glycosaminoglycans that add joint nutrients and can be used in conjunction with pentosan injections.
Beransa
The newest and most exciting treatment option is Beransa. Beransa is the first monthly injectable monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs that is used for pain alleviation of canine osteoarthritis. It is a safe and effective way to keep your dog pain free! It contains the active substance bedinvetmab and is a monthly injection that has been found to effectively reduce osteoarthritis pain for one month. It does this by targeting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is a signaling protein produced in injured tissues. Dogs with osteoarthritis release NGF in the inflamed joints, where it binds to pain receptors that trigger the dog to feel pain. Beransa neutralises NGF, preventing it from binding to the pain receptors, alleviating pain in the dog. Studies have shown that one injection of Beransa leads to an improvement in comfort and mobility for at least one month.
Beransa has been available in the United States and Europe for 2 years now and has a proven safety profile. One of the major advantages of Beransa, is that it is safe and effective for long-term use, unlike other pain medications, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (meloxicam, firocoxib, carprofen, etc) that are commonly prescribed to dogs. Once in the body, it functions like naturally occurring antibodies, with little involvement of the liver or kidneys in its breakdown and elimination from the body. It is safe to use in dogs with sensitive tummies too.
The best part is this new and effective treatment can be administered by our mobile vet in the comfort of your home.
Home Care
Exercise regimes should be adapted to avoid aggravating the condition. If you notice any discomfort from your pet following a walk, try shorter walks or reduced play time at the park. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise as it provides reduced stress on the joints and is non-weight bearing. A heated pool would be ideal to avoid aggravating osteoarthritis from the cold water, there are many canine specific mobility centers that offer this, and your vet will be able to suggest some facilities.
As a rule, arthritis worsens during the cooler winter months, make sure your pet always has somewhere to sleep that is warm and away from the elements. Supportive bedding can also help alleviate joint stiffness, with specific beds designed to support and comfort joints.
Weight management is a key component to ensure your pet doesn’t have any added pressure on their joints, leading to further pain related symptoms and degeneration. Maintain a healthy weight for your pet and speak to your vet about weight management plans if you suspect your pet may be overweight. Activity levels can be reduced due to generalized pain and aging, so it is important to implement an ongoing exercise and diet regime.
Book an appointment with our mobile vets for a full health check and to discuss possible treatment and diagnosis options. Our mobile vet will tailor a plan for your pet to help support them and their needs.
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