Recognizing Osteoarthritis (OA) pain in your pet can be a tricky task. Unlike us humans, our furry friends are experts at masking their pain. Oftentimes, they show their OA pain through subtle signs and minor shifts in their behavior and activity levels. If your sweet pup or kitty is suddenly not as playful or energetic as they used to be, a case of OA may be the culprit. The good news: long-term Osteoarthritis treatment is available for both cats and dogs. With help from our skilled Pine Valley team, we’ll identify the source and their pain and do everything we can to keep your pet happy and healthy!

If you’re worried your pet is suffering from chronic pain, here’s everything you need to know to detect and treat Osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease found in animals. OA is a degenerative condition that progresses over time, causing dogs and cats to lose their joint cartilage. Eventually, this leads to changes in their bones, causing pain, inflammation, and difficulty with movement.

 

Dogs

Key Statistics about OA Pain in Dogs

  • Nearly 40% of dogs show signs of OA pain, but less than half are diagnosed.
  • About 14 million adult dogs in the U.S. are affected with osteoarthritis, making it a top health concern.

Signs of OA in Dogs

  • Limping after exercise
  • Slower walking pace, lagging behind
  • Slow to rise
  • Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
  • Moving stiffly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Low energy, decreased activity levels
  • Weight Gain

Treatment Options

Librela Injection: Librela is the first and only monthly anti-NGF monoclonal antibody injection to help treat OA pain in canines.

Benefits

  • Librela is a once-monthly injection, saving you time and money, and can be directly administered by Dr. Lantzer or Dr. Tarter.
  • Librela reduces the effects of NGF, which is the primary cause of OA pain.
  • Librela is approved to be safe and effective. The medicine is easily metabolized with minimal involvement of the kidneys or liver.
  • Treatment with Librela increases your pup’s energy and activity levels and improves their overall quality of life.

Important Safety Information

Librela is for canine use only. Librela should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Side effects may include urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections, and dermatitis. If self-administering the medication, pet owners should take extreme care to prevent accidental self-injection. Accidental injection may cause hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

 

Cats

Key Statistics about OA Pain in Cats

  • Nearly 40% of all cats have clinical signs of OA.
  • Feline OA is prevalent, but difficult to diagnose if vet visits are infrequent.
  • 60% of cats over 6 years old are affected by OA.

Signs of OA in Cats

  • Difficulty jumping up or down
  • Difficulty climbing up or down stairs
  • Difficulty running or chasing a moving object
  • Changes in personality or sociability
  • Changes in bowel movements
  • Decreased energy levels

Treatment Options

Solensia Injection: Solensia is a feline OA therapy administered through a once-monthly injection to control pain.

Benefits

  • Solensia controls OA pain in felines which helps improve their mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
  • Solensia is a monoclonal antibody that is proven to be easily metabolized and well-tolerated.
  • Solensia is a quick and easy once-monthly injection that can be administered by Dr. Lantzer or Dr. Tarter.

Important Safety Information

Solensia is for feline use only. Solensia should not be used in pregnant or lactating cats. Side effects may include vomiting and injection site pain. If self-administering the medication, pet owners should take extreme care to prevent accidental self-injection. Accidental injection may cause hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

If your furry friend is showing signs of Osteoarthritis, don’t hesitate to bring them in for a check-up at Pine Vally. Chronic pain is as draining to animals as it is to humans, and untreated OA can harm your pet’s emotional and physical well-being. We know your furbaby deserves the best care, and our skilled team is here to help create the most effective treatment plan for their pain. Keeping our furry patients happy and healthy and giving them the best quality of life is our Pine Valley goal! For more information about OA treatment options, call us today for an appointment.