05/26/2026
💡 Welcome to CPC's Learning Lounge! 💡
May is Canine Arthritis Awareness Month.
❓Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a degenerative, progressive, and irreversible condition of the joints.
📈Its prevalence can be understood by the number of dogs affected; 25% of dogs are diagnosed with arthritis in their life time, and as many as 60% of dogs have radiographic evidence of it.
🐕🦮🐕🦺Arthritis can affect any age, s*x, and breed of dogs. Most predispositions to it relate to underlying causes, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and so forth.
🩺It is not possible to completely cure arthritis. The goals are to alleviate your pet's discomfort, to minimize further degenerative changes to the joint, and to restore the joint's functionality.
-Managing your pet's weight is important. Excess weight increases stress on the joints and muscles. If your pet is obese, your veterinarian will want your pet to lose weight.
-Joint supplements known as chondroprotective agents will help support the cartilage and will have some anti-inflammatory effects.
- Diets containing omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and may allow to reduce NSAIDS.
- NSAIDS are an important component of arthritis therapy in dogs. Analgesics such as tramadol, gabapentin, and amantadine may provide pain relief in dogs.
- Physical therapy: Controlled, low-impact exercise (such as short, gentle walks) or specialized physiotherapy and rehabilitation help enhance body control and reduce risk of falls and injuries.
✨With therapy and careful monitoring, arthritis can be managed in many dogs, resulting in a good quality of life that you and your pet will appreciate.
📞Call us at 403-345-5200 if you'd want us to help your furry friend with rehabilitation and addressing their pain
