Arthritis Archives - Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Librela for dogs

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:56:15 +0000

Librela (bedinvetmab injection) is a treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs. It is given as a monthly injection. Librela is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets a key driver of OA pain. It works to reduce pain signals, making it easier for your dog to move and play.

Over 14 million doses have been given across the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and more. In two clinical studies, Librela proved to be effective in controlling dog osteoarthritis pain when administered monthly. Librela has a good safety profile. Side effects were shown to be similar to what is expected for dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

If you think your dog might benefit from Librela, please call us at (856) 983-9440 so that we can give them a comprehensive evaluation and help you to decide if Librela is a good option.

I Think My Dog Has Arthritis. What Now? – https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/dog-arthritis-what-now

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 SOUTH

MARLTON, NJ 08053

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Solensia for Cats

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:58:47 +0000

Solensia is the first and only FDA-Approved treatment to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. Did you know that 60% of cats over 6 years old are affected by osteoarthritis? By 12 years of age this number rises to 90% of cats. Solensia is a monthly injection that reduces pain in cats. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets NGF, a key driver in OA pain progression. We have been successfully helping cats with OA for many months now. If you think your cat might benefit from Solensia, please call us to schedule an evaluation.

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Dasuquin

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 23:39:52 +0000

Dasuquin is a joint health supplement, available at Evesham Veterinary Clinic. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin. It is made for cats and dogs.

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 SOUTH

MARLTON, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

https://www.eveshamvet.com

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Test for Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs at UC Davis

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 21:47:31 +0000

A test is available for degenerative myelopathy, a disease that affects dogs over five years old and is more common in certain breeds, primarily German Shepherds. The white matter of the thoracolumbar spinal cord degenerates, resulting in progressive weakness of the hind legs and an uncoordinated gait.

A DNA mutation has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of degenerative myelopathy. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. UC Davis has developed a test that owners can submit on their own. Follow the link to find out more:

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (ucdavis.edu)

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Galliprant – for Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 21:29:08 +0000

Galliprant is a new medication that treats pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis in dogs.

What this means for dogs is more years of comfortable running, jumping, and playing. It means getting up and taking more frequent and longer walks with their families. Dogs who have their pain treated are more likely to exercise more, maintain muscle strength, and remain at a healthy weight.

The science behind Galliprant is interesting. Galliprant is a first-in-class piprant; a non-COX-inhibiting prostaglandin receptor antagonist (PRA). It specifically blocks the EP4 receptor, the primary mediator of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Galliprant is more targeted than traditional NSAIDS, with fewer side effects and a very good safety profile.

Brought to us by Elanco, Galliprant allows for early, safe, and effective treatment of arthritis in dogs. Please call for an appointment if you think your dog could benefit.

For more information, see also:

Galliprant Consumer – For Pet Owners

Galliprant Vet – For Veterinarians, or anyone interested in more technical information

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 S

MARLTON, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

eveshamvet.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz_eEq4gf9A

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Duralactin – A Nutraceutical for Inflammation

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:06:25 +0000

Duralactin is a nutritional supplement that is used to treat inflammation, supporting normal activity and wellness. It is made from dried milk protein, a natural product. We at Evesham Veterinary Clinic are excited to carry this new product.

Here is some information from the manufacturer, Veterinary Products Laboratories.

Duralactin^® Products

Can be used for many different types of inflammation
Inhibit neutrophil migration—an alternative approach to managing inflammation
Do not have the side effects associated with other therapies
Do not require an initial administration for the first 4-6 weeks, which can lead to additional costs for you, the pet owner
Include formulations that only need to be given once a day
Have a taste dogs and cats love

Duralactin^® products can be use alone as a nutraceutical or in combination with other therapies as your veterinarian recommends. The following pets may benefit from taking Duralactin^® products:

Dogs, cats and horses to help support normal activity and wellness.
Breeds that are prone to inflammation
Older pets to help support mobility
Pets that cannot take other therapies or pets that are not responding to other therapies

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 ROUTE 73 S

MARLTON, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

www.eveshamvet.com

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Pain Management

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:41:06 +0000

Evesham Veterinary Clinic offers modern pain management for dogs, cats, and other animals. In the last few decades, there has been an explosion of interest in how animals perceive pain, and many more therapeutic options have become available. This has resulted in more comfort and improved outcomes for our patients.

Medications

NSAIDS

Rimadyl (Carprofen)
Deramaxx (Deracoxib)
Metacam (Meloxicam)
Previcox (Firocoxib)

Priprants

Galliprant

Opioids

Steroids

Prednisone
Prednisolone

Muscle Relaxants

Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Nutritional Supplements

Glucosamine with chondroitin
Fish oil

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is an advanced option for treating pain. We use a Companion Therapy Laser, by LiteCure. Laser Therapy is an FDA-cleared modality that reduces inflammation and that results in pain reduction. Laser Therapy is effective in treating acute pain, chronic conditions, and post-operative pain.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

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Your Senior Cat

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Tue, 05 May 2015 01:06:15 +0000

Your Senior Cat

Old age is not a disease

As a result of advances in veterinary medicine, more knowledgeable care and improved nutrition, cats are now living much longer, healthier lives. But, just as for humans, the passage of time has its effects, and you may begin to notice that your once-frisky feline seems to have slowed down a bit. Being aware of the natural changes that can occur as your cat reaches his or her golden years, as well as what you can do to help keep your pet as healthy, active and comfortable as possible, can ensure that you both enjoy this stage in your cat’s life to the fullest.

How-and when-will I know that my cat is getting “old”?

As cats move into the geriatric phase of their lives, they experience gradual changes that are remarkably like those of ageing humans: their hair may turn grey, their bodies are not as limber and reflexes not as sharp as they once were. Hearing, eyesight and the sense of smell may deteriorate and energy levels seem to diminish. In fact, the first sign of ageing is often a general decrease in activity, combined with a tendency to sleep longer and more soundly. Such signs may begin to manifest themselves anywhere between the ages of 7 and 11. Furthermore, a healthy cat who lives indoors, especially one that has been desexed, will most likely age later than one which has been affected by disease or environmental problems early in life. Thus, while wild or feral tomcats have an average life span of only 3 years, a castrated male house cat that is well cared for can live happily and healthily into his late teens or early twenties. Again, as with humans, the ageing process will vary with the individual. Your veterinarian will be able to judge when it’s time to consider your pet a “senior”.

Checkup time now comes twice a year

As your cat ages, regular checkups at the veterinarian’s become more important than ever. In fact, at this stage of your pet’s life, it is recommended that he or she receive a thorough examination every 6 months, as adult cats can age as much as 4 years (in human terms) within the period of one calendar year. Besides the usual complete physical examination, your veterinarian may conduct a urine and faecal analysis and a full blood screen. If your cat goes outdoors, or is part of a multi-feline household, he or she may also recommend that your pet be tested for the presence of feline leukaemia or immunodeficiency virus.Keep your vet informed
Most importantly, you should tell your veterinarian about any noticeable change in your cat’s physical condition or behaviour. A problem that you may assume is simply related to your pet’s advanced age may actually be the result of a treatable medical condition. For example, your cat’s lack of interest in exercise or play may not stem from the normal decrease in energy that comes with age, but be due to the stiffness and pain that results from arthritis a condition that can be managed with the proper treatment. Regular, semi-annual checkups can thus help your veterinarian work out a suitable preventative health program for your pet and catch any disorders sufficiently early to provide effective treatment. Working together, you can both ensure that your cat’s senior years will be healthy and happy ones.

Put a healthy diet on the menu

As he or she ages, your cat’s nutritional needs may also change. You may find that, although your pet is eating less, they still put on weight. This could be due to a slowdown of their metabolism or a decrease in their activity. Excess weight can aggravate many feline medical conditions, including heart, respiratory, skin and joint problems. To help a portly puss reduce, try feeding smaller quantities of food or gradually switch to a diet that is lower in calories. Other cats have entirely the opposite problem—they lose weight as they age, sometimes as the result of heart, periodontal disease, diabetes or sometimes because of a reduction in their taste sensation, which leads to a loss of appetite. In either case, ask your veterinarian for advice about your pet’s individual nutritional requirements.

Senior cat food do’s & don’ts

Do make sure that your cat’s diet is well balanced, highly palatable, digestible and contains potassium and taurine.
Since food with high mineral and protein content should be avoided, ask your veterinarian for recommendations about a type that’s right for your cat.
Do consider, in consultation with your veterinarian, increasing the level of fibre in your cat’s diet, especially if they suffer from frequent constipation.
Do try warming food to body temperature – it may make meals more tempting to senior cats with poor appetites.
Don’t feed your cat between-meal snacks or table scraps.

The top 10 health tips for senior cats

Take your cat to their veterinarian for twice-yearly checkups.
Become informed about conditions and diseases common to senior cats, be on the lookout for symptoms and, should they arise, inform your cat’s veterinarian promptly.
Feed your cat the best food you can afford and consider giving them several small meals a day rather than one large one.
Don’t overfeed – obesity causes many health problems and may shorten your cat’s life.
Make sure your cat receives adequate exercise to preserve muscle tone, preserve bone and joint strength and fight obesity.
Look after your cat’s dental health. Have their teeth cleaned professionally when your veterinarian so advises, and ideally brush their teeth daily.
Have your veterinarian do a risk assessment to determine an appropriate vaccination protocol for your cat.
Do your utmost to control fleas and intestinal worms and make sure your cat and their environment (their bed, play area, etc.) are always spotlessly clean.
Check your cat’s nails weekly and trim them as often as necessary, as senior cats may not use their scratching posts as often as they did when younger.
Give your cat lots of love and attention and do all you can to keep them interested, active, happy and comfortable.

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Osteoarthritis – Cats

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Tue, 05 May 2015 01:02:42 +0000

Osteoarthritis

If your cat no longer appears interested in playing with his or her favourite mouse toy for hours on end, there may be a good reason – osteoarthritis. A chronic, degenerative joint disease that makes movement difficult and painful, osteoarthritis mainly strikes pets in their middle and senior years. However, younger animals can also be affected. In fact, studies show that approximately 20% of dogs have the condition in some form and, even though they are less prone, cats can also suffer from it.

It can be heartbreaking to see your once lively, always active best friend begin to limp, or notice his or her obvious pain when moving around. There is, as yet, no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a great deal that you and your veterinarian can do to decrease your pet’s discomfort and increase his or her mobility – especially if it is treated promptly.

Early warning signs of osteoarthritis:

Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the litter box
An overall decrease in activity, especially play
Resting more than usual
Slowness in getting up from a lying position
Failing to groom themselves or eating less, with a resulting loss of weight
Slow or stiff movements upon waking, after a rest, or in cold weather
Beginning to limp
Swollen joint(s) that is warm to the touch
Licking or biting at a joint
Choosing a warm and soft or cold and hard place to lie down
Personality change – your pet no longer likes to be touched
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t just think that your pet is “slowing down with age”. Take him or her to see your veterinarian! The faster osteoarthritis is first diagnosed and treated, the better your pet’s quality of life will be.

What causes osteoarthritis?
There are many causes, but practically all can be grouped into two main categories:1. Abnormal stress on normal joints

An injury that damages a joint
“Wear and tear”: joints are subjected to repeated loads or stress
Obesity: an excessive load is put on joints

2. Normal stress on abnormal joints

Developmental defects that alter the shape or stability of a joint
Poor limb configuration: bow legs or knock knees can cause an uneven load on a joint

Whatever the specific cause, stress on a joint can begin a destructive cycle of inflammation of the joint area and damage to the cartilage that leads to pain for your pet.

How is osteoarthritis treated?
Treatment includes three main components, each equally important.1. Weight control Cats that suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis often become inactive, which can result in obesity. Controlling your pet’s weight will lighten the load on arthritic joints and make it less difficult to move around. Just as for humans, weight loss for animals involves both a well-balanced, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the proper diet for your cat.

2. Exercise is essential because it contributes to strengthening the muscles that support joints. Daily, moderate amounts of low-impact exercise also improves joint mobility and can help get a lethargic, arthritic pet active again. Cats can profit from play that keeps them moving without excessive jumping. Consult your veterinarian about what amount and type of exercise would be best for your pet. Also, be aware that your cat’s osteoarthritis may be more severe at certain times than others. If this is the case, let your pet take a break from his or her exercise routine for a few days, until the painful flare-up subsides.

3. Anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation in the joints, thus relieving pain, increasing mobility, and protecting the joint from further damage. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the drugs of first choice for the treatment of canine osteoarthitis. Treatment is not curative, but will help control pain when needed. Newer NSAIDs are proving to be especially effective in reducing inflammation and pain, and improving mobility without the significant side effects – including gastrointestinal problems – previously associated with NSAID use. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

There are other treatments which may be recommended by your vet which are anti-inflammatory, provide effective pain relief and can also help to protect cartilage from further degradation:

An injectable medication that contains Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium. This treatment is administered by your vet in a series of injections;
Nutraceuticals that contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the essential building blocks for joints and cartilage. These are oral preparations that are usually added to your pet’s food, and can be used in conjunction with other medications such as NSAIDs.

In addition to the above, your veterinarian may also suggest physical therapy, cold or hot packs and baths, massage or acupuncture to help control pain. In extreme cases surgery may also be indicated.

What’s the outlook for a pet with osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis may progress very slowly (over several years) or very quickly (you might notice a major change in just a few weeks or months). It all depends on your pet’s age, his or her activity level, the joints involved and the underlying cause.
Some pets’ pain and loss of mobility can be kept to a minimum for long periods of time with a simple regimen of weight control, moderate, regular exercise and the occasional use of anti-inflammatory drugs if flare-ups occur. For others, severe damage to the joints may occur rapidly and require long-term medication and other treatments. In either case, your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment for your pet’s particular condition. There is no reason why, with your loving attention and committed care, as well as your veterinarian’s guidance, your osteoarthritic pet cannot have a happy, healthy and comfortable life for many years to come.

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Osteoarthritis – Dogs

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:11:04 +0000

Osteoarthritis

If your dog doesn’t jump to greet you on your return home each evening, there may be a good reason – osteoarthritis. A chronic, degenerative joint disease that makes movement difficult and painful, osteoarthritis mainly strikes pets in their middle and senior years. However, younger animals can also be affected. In fact, studies show that approximately 20% of dogs have the condition in some form.It can be heartbreaking to see your once lively, always active best friend begin to limp, or notice his or her obvious pain when moving around. There is, as yet, no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a great deal that you and your veterinarian can do to decrease your pet’s discomfort and increase his or her mobility – especially if it is treated promptly.

Early warning signs of osteoarthritis:

Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the litter box
An overall decrease in activity, especially play
Resting more than usual
Slowness in getting up from a lying position
For dogs, “bunny hopping” with the hind legs, rather than running normally
Slow or stiff movements upon waking, after a rest, or in cold weather
Beginning to limp
Swollen joint(s) that is warm to the touch
Licking or biting at a joint
Choosing a warm and soft or cold and hard place to lie down
Personality change – your pet no longer likes to be touched
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t just think that your pet is “slowing down with age”. Take him or her to see your veterinarian! The faster osteoarthritis is first diagnosed and treated, the better your pet’s quality of life will be.

What causes osteoarthritis?

There are many causes, but practically all can be grouped into two main categories:

1. Abnormal stress on normal joints

An injury that damages a joint
“Wear and tear”: joints are subjected to repeated loads or stress
Obesity: an excessive load is put on joints

2. Normal stress on abnormal joints

Developmental defects that alter the shape or stability of a joint
Poor limb configuration: bow legs or knock knees can cause an uneven load on a joint
Genetic predisposition: some breeds of dogs are just more prone to osteoarthritis than others

Whatever the specific cause, stress on a joint can begin a destructive cycle of inflammation of the joint area and damage to the cartilage that leads to pain for your pet.

How is osteoarthritis treated?
Treatment includes three main components, each equally important.

1. Weight control Dogs that suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis often become inactive, which can result in obesity. Controlling your pet’s weight will lighten the load on arthritic joints and make it less difficult to move around. Just as for humans, weight loss for animals involves both a well-balanced, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the proper diet for your dog.

2. Exercise is essential because it contributes to strengthening the muscles that support joints. Daily, moderate amounts of low-impact exercise also improves joint mobility and can help get a lethargic, arthritic pet active again. Dogs will benefit from such activities as walking and swimming.
Consult your veterinarian about what amount and type of exercise would be best for your pet. Also, be aware that your dog’s osteoarthritis may be more severe at certain times than others. If this is the case, let your pet take a break from his or her exercise routine for a few days, until the painful flare-up subsides.

There are other treatments which may be recommended by your vet which are anti-inflammatory, provide effective pain relief and can also help to protect cartilage from further degradation:

An injectable medication that contains Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium. This treatment is administered by your vet in a series of injections;
Nutraceuticals that contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the essential building blocks for joints and cartilage. These are oral preparations that are usually added to your pet’s food, and can be used in conjunction with other medications such as NSAIDs.

What’s the outlook for a pet with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis may progress very slowly (over several years) or very quickly (you might notice a major change in just a few weeks or months). It all depends on your pet’s age, his or her activity level, the joints involved and the underlying cause.
Some pets’ pain and loss of mobility can be kept to a minimum for long periods of time with a simple regimen of weight control, moderate, regular exercise and the occasional use of anti-inflammatory drugs if flare-ups occur. For others, severe damage to the joints may occur rapidly and require long-term medication and other treatments. In either case, your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment for your pet’s particular condition. There is no reason why, with your loving attention and committed care, as well as your veterinarian’s guidance, your osteoarthritic pet cannot have a happy, healthy and comfortable life for many years to come.

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