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WATFORD, England, April 11/PRNewswire/ --
Taking your dog for its daily walk may not be as much fun for your pet as you think! Is he or she just getting old, or is your dog suffering from the painful joint condition osteoarthritis (OA)? Just as arthritis affects humans, one in five dogs are affected by this debilitating condition (1).
Sadly, it is often left undiagnosed, until a visit to the vet, often for an unrelated matter, reveals that the signs thought to be 'old age' are actually the result of OA.
OA mainly affects larger breeds, such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labradors, and if left untreated, this debilitating condition can greatly diminish your pet's quality of life and consequently lead to a very painful and inactive existence for your precious pet!
But how do you know if your much-loved pet has OA? And what's the best way to help him or her?
Professor Stuart Carmichael, a veterinary surgeon from the University of Glasgow who has treated hundreds cases of canine OA, believes the condition is so prevalent because sadly, owners are unable to recognise the signs of OA and are often unaware that their pet is in pain.
"The major problem is that the clinical signs of arthritis are often attributed to the pets 'just getting old'," said Professor Carmichael.
"The first step in helping your dog is to be able to identify the physical signs of arthritis," he continued.
Telltale signals that your pet may be suffering in silence include:
limping, difficulty rising, stiffness, decreased activity level, reluctance to play, run or climb stairs, as well as behavioural changes such as aggression or withdrawal. If your dog has demonstrated any of these signs, an appointment for an arthritis screen by your vet is highly recommended.
"It is essential for pet owners to be aware of the signs of arthritis and how it affects the dog. Just as we would go to the doctor if we are in pain, our pets need that same level of care and attention too, so that they are not left suffering," Professor Carmichael added.
The good news is that OA can be easily managed by veterinary surgeons and, although a cure has not yet been discovered, there are many ways to reduce the pain and suffering this disease can cause.
Controlled weight loss and exercise programmes are usually recommended along with a course of pain-relieving medication.
Thankfully further help is at hand, with the introduction of a new dietary supplement designed to alleviate the pain and physical signs of your dog's OA.
The result of years of research, Prescription Diet (2) Canine j/d (2) from Hill's Pet Nutrition, is a technologically advanced nutritional supplement containing appropriate levels of nutrients for the management of dogs with arthritis.
Containing the nutrient, EPA, a natural fish oil extract, Hill's Prescription Diet Canine j/d is beneficial not only for dogs already suffering from OA, but is also suitable for the long-term feeding of adult and senior dogs, to help prevent the development of this disease.
Additionally, as EPA is an effective, natural supplement, the need for drug therapy, and the potential for associated side effects, is also reduced.
The use of fish oil supplements rich in EPA has been a traditional remedy for joint pain in man for decades, and according to Dr Martin Owen, an expert in canine OA, can be of equal benefit to our canine companions.
"Convincing evidence from clinical studies in dogs is now emerging that clearly demonstrates clinical benefits of EPA for the management of canine osteoarthritis," said Dr Owen.
Susie Smith, a 65-year-old grandmother from London, has suffered OA for almost 10 years. Her eight-year-old Golden Retriever Sophie, also suffers from OA. Susie agrees that awareness of this condition is limited.
"When the vet first diagnosed Sophie's arthritis I was in shock. I didn't even know dogs suffered from this disease. My second thought was, oh my poor baby, because I could instantly relate to the pain she must have been feeling," said Ms Smith.
Fortunately, following an accurate diagnosis, management of the disease and alleviation of the physical stress and associated pain can begin.
Hill's Prescription Diet Canine j/d is available solely through veterinary clinics. If you think your dog may be suffering from OA, it is important that you male an appointment to visit your vet, who can make a professional assessment and food recommendation.
