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Degenerative joint disease (often known as Arthritis) is inflammation of the joints. When arthritis develops, the cartilage lining of the joint wears down, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. Cartilage lining deteriorates because of disease, poor structure or development (e.g. hip dysplasia), unusual gait, conformation, extra weight gain, or joint trauma or surgery.
Generally the pain with Arthritis is heightened after resting, exuberant exercise or cold weather. Talk to one of our vets to assess if your pet has Arthritis.
Unfortunately Arthritis can’t be cured. The key is to control the pain associated with arthritis and manage inflammation in the joints. With proper management Arthritis progression can be slowed. In order to manage the inflammation within the joints The House Call Vets recommends a focused plan:
Weight control is essential when it comes to managing Arthritis symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Extra weight adds pressure on your pets already affected joints. Low calorie diets along with gentle exercise to maintain an ideal body weight is crucial for pets with Arthritis. We also recommend this course of action for pets who are at risk of developing arthritis due to factors such as breed, age or pets that have a history of joint trauma or surgery.
Walking and swimming are fantastic forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis. The level of the exercise your pet can endure is assessed on a case by case basis. Regular short bursts of exercise is usually the best approach.
Omega fatty acids assist in blocking inflammation around your pet’s joints that cause pain. They also subdue activity of a particular enzyme that causes cartilage damage, therefore slowing any progression of arthritis.
Joint support injections are used to improve joint fluid & joint cartilage blood flow helping to slow progression of the disease. We will start your pet on a course of 4 injections done one week apart. This is followed by a single repeat injection every 1-3 months or a repeat course of 4 injections every 3-6 months, depending on how your pet is progressing.
In some cases, pain relief medication will need to be prescribed after diagnosis of flare-ups. Ideally we only use these when required however, some pets may need these medications long term, in conjunction with their continued arthritis management program of arthritis injections, lifestyle changes and food supplements
4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Dog is a premium daily feed supplement targeting pathological pathways associated with acute joint injury and arthritis. Epiitalis is an exclusive active ingredient patented for its revolutionary cartilage repair, pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows that Epiitalis stimulates healthy cartilage production and repairs damaged joints affected by age, injury and arthritis. 4CYTE supresses any anti-inflammatory chemicals responsible for poor joint function and pain.
4CYTE Granules or 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel?
Epiitalis Forte Dog Gel contains double the volume of Epiitalis per daily dose. The gel formula is recommended for pre/post Orthopaedic surgery and dogs with moderate to severe Osteoarthritis. The gel is also an excellent option for dogs with seafood allergies.
4CYTE Canine Granules contains the active ingredient Epiitalis, along with Green Lipped Mussel, Abalone and Marine Cartilage. 4CYTE Canine Granules are excellent for the possible prevention of Osteoarthritis in dogs that might be predisposed to Osteoarthritis, for eg. – Working or sporting dogs.
Free home delivery on 4CYTE granules or gel until end Aug. Use code 4CYTE2ME
Autoship and Save 5% at checkout
The House Call Vet offers both house call and in-clinic veterinary care. We build lasting relationships with our patients and their owners.
The House Call Vet have multiple clinics across Brisbane; these state of the art facilities are located in Kenmore and Sunnybank.
Our exceptional team is comprised of 12 qualified veterinarians and 7 nurses; all of whom work extremely closely with patients and owners.
When your pet becomes suddenly unwell, our team of house call vets and nurses are available to accommodate those short notice appointments.
As part of our dedication to deliver high quality veterinary services directly to you at home, we offer you an online shop filled with quality pet products.
Booking a vet for your pet has never been easier – simply complete the online booking form below and we’ll contact you to arrange an appointment.
Degenerative joint disease (often known as Arthritis) is inflammation of the joints. When arthritis develops, the cartilage lining of the joint wears down, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. Cartilage lining deteriorates because of disease, poor structure or development (e.g. hip dysplasia), unusual gait, conformation, extra weight gain, or joint trauma or surgery.
Joint cartilage in freely moving joints can degenerate over time, leading to a loss of joint mobility and, in many cases, to pain. This disease is characterized by the thinning of cartilage, the build-up of fluid inside the joint, and the development of bone outgrowths around the joint. Joint degeneration can be caused by trauma, infection, the body’s own immune system, or malformation during development. This leads to inflammation of the joint membrane, continued destruction and inflammation of the cartilage, and irregular joint function.
Signs of osteoarthritis include lameness, swelling of the joints, loss of muscle and thickening and scarring of the joint membrane. Eventually enough damage can occur if a grating sound can be heard during joint motion. X-rays show increased fluid inside the joint, soft tissue swelling around the joint, bone formation, hardening and thickening of the bone under the cartilage, and often narrowing of the joint space.
Treatments can be either medical or surgical. Medical care involves weight loss (if needed), exercise on soft surfaces, and warm compresses on affected joints. It can also require the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to minimize pain and inflammation. However, long-term use of these medications in dogs can also cause gastrointestinal complications, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Corticosteroids also inhibit inflammation, but are usually given only for a brief period of time to prevent the harmful effects of continued use. Joint fluid inhibitors or other forms of pain relievers can also be used. Your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate medication based on the symptoms, age, and overall health of your dog.
Surgical options include joint fusion, joint replacement, joint cutting and amputation. The recovery outlook depends on the place and nature of the joint condition.
Generally the pain with Arthritis is heightened after resting, exuberant exercise or cold weather. Talk to one of our vets to assess if your pet has Arthritis.
Unfortunately Arthritis can’t be cured. The key is to control the pain associated with arthritis and manage inflammation in the joints. With proper management Arthritis progression can be slowed. In order to manage the inflammation within the joints The House Call Vets recommends a focused plan:
Weight control is essential when it comes to managing Arthritis symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Extra weight adds pressure on your pets already affected joints. Low calorie diets along with gentle exercise to maintain an ideal body weight is crucial for pets with Arthritis. We also recommend this course of action for pets who are at risk of developing arthritis due to factors such as breed, age or pets that have a history of joint trauma or surgery.
Walking and swimming are fantastic forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis. The level of the exercise your pet can endure is assessed on a case by case basis. Regular short bursts of exercise is usually the best approach.
Arthritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, dietary supplements and chondroprotective agents. Your vet can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain. Chondroprotective agents may help the body to repair cartilage and stimulate its work. Speak to your vet about whether these therapies are right for your pet.
An orthopedic pet bed made of memory foam can help protect the joints and bones of your pet. Providing a supporting bed is also very necessary for thin dogs, whose bones would otherwise rub on hard surfaces. Some pet shops sell beds specially made for pets with arthritis.
Senior pets can have a hard time navigating stairs, hardwood floors and tile floors. There are ramps and cubes available to help your pet climb the stairs and get up or down from the sofas. Through putting rugs or carpets on slippery surfaces, your pet would also be much more steadier on their legs.
Think of all the moments that your loyal friend has made you feel better. It’s a wonderful time to return the favor. Massage can increase the mobility and endurance of your pet, boost circulation and help them relax. You can gently knead your pet’s rigid muscles (avoid placing direct pressure on your pet’s joints, which may be painful) or arrange a consultation with a licensed pet massage therapist who can take care of your pet.
Arthritic pets can’t clean themselves, particularly in those hard-to – reach places. For this reason, older pets should be cared for far more frequently than younger ones. Clean your pet’s hair daily to get rid of mats and tangles, and try to be gentle at all times.
Omega fatty acids assist in blocking inflammation around your pet’s joints that cause pain. They also subdue activity of a particular enzyme that causes cartilage damage, therefore slowing any progression of arthritis.
Joint support injections are used to improve joint fluid & joint cartilage blood flow helping to slow progression of the disease. We will start your pet on a course of 4 injections done one week apart. This is followed by a single repeat injection every 1-3 months or a repeat course of 4 injections every 3-6 months, depending on how your pet is progressing.
In some cases, pain relief medication will need to be prescribed after diagnosis of flare-ups. Ideally we only use these when required however, some pets may need these medications long term, in conjunction with their continued arthritis management program of arthritis injections, lifestyle changes and food supplements
4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Dog is a premium daily feed supplement targeting pathological pathways associated with acute joint injury and arthritis. Epiitalis is an exclusive active ingredient patented for its revolutionary cartilage repair, pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows that Epiitalis stimulates healthy cartilage production and repairs damaged joints affected by age, injury and arthritis. 4CYTE supresses any anti-inflammatory chemicals responsible for poor joint function and pain.
4CYTE Granules or 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel?
Epiitalis Forte Dog Gel contains double the volume of Epiitalis per daily dose. The gel formula is recommended for pre/post Orthopaedic surgery and dogs with moderate to severe Osteoarthritis. The gel is also an excellent option for dogs with seafood allergies.
4CYTE Canine Granules contains the active ingredient Epiitalis, along with Green Lipped Mussel, Abalone and Marine Cartilage. 4CYTE Canine Granules are excellent for the possible prevention of Osteoarthritis in dogs that might be predisposed to Osteoarthritis, for eg. – Working or sporting dogs.
Free home delivery on 4CYTE granules or gel until end Aug. Use code 4CYTE2ME
Autoship and Save 5% at checkout
The House Call Vet offers both house call and in-clinic veterinary care. We build lasting relationships with our patients and their owners.
The House Call Vet have multiple clinics across Brisbane; these state of the art facilities are located in Kenmore and Sunnybank.
Our exceptional team is comprised of 12 qualified veterinarians and 7 nurses; all of whom work extremely closely with patients and owners.
When your pet becomes suddenly unwell, our team of house call vets and nurses are available to accommodate those short notice appointments.
As part of our dedication to deliver high quality veterinary services directly to you at home, we offer you an online shop filled with quality pet products.
Booking a vet for your pet has never been easier – simply complete the online booking form below and we’ll contact you to arrange an appointment.
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