Joint Treatment

Question 1

List the three core components of the long term management of chronic arthritic disease in the dog and in one sentence for each describe their importance

Answer 1

–Control pain

–Acceptable level of exercise

–Limit progression of disease

Question 2

List the main reasons for unsuccessful OA management and how they may be overcome.

Answer 2

–Owner compliance

–Behavioural of the dog/nature of the dog

–Cost

Question 3

List adjunctive OA management to the core therapy which may be an option for the owner

Answer 3

–Weight control

–Exercise modification with out without physio/hydro

–Analgesia – initially for 7-10days

–Neutocueticals/structure modified drugs

Question 4

Compile a list and compare NSAIDs that have a marketing authorisation for long term use in the dog

Answer 4

Meloxicam, carprofen, robenacoxib, mavacoxib, paracetamol (with codeine), tolfenamic acid, ketoprofen, (tepoxalin - expired ) firocoxib, phenylbutazone, cimicoxib

Question 5

Prepare a management protocol for OA

Answer 5

• Weight management
• Put on obesity feed
• Hydro or physio is cost allows
• Meloxicam or other NSAID
• Walk short and often – 3 x 15 mins
• Revisit in 2 weeks
• Call at any point if worried

Question 6

Brief the owner to explain the management options and emphasises the outcome expectations and the risk/benefits

Answer 6

• Long term NSAID use may affect liver and kidneys
• 6 month blood tests
• If pain is not managed we should discuss better pain relief and consider PTS.