David Dycus, DVM, urges veterinary teams to consider multi-modal options for dealing with osteoarthritis. He recommends establishing a baseline through joint supplements, diet and especially, routine exercise. Each patient needs to be considered individually instead of using a standard plan. This is good material to review as a veterinary team to uncover different perspectives and ensure all team members speak the same language.
Source: Veterinary Medicine, January 19, 2018.
What about that exercise? “Daily exercise is actually getting out and going on a walk,” Dycus says. “What I want is for dogs to (walk for) at least 20 minutes, twice a day, on level ground.”
Also see: NSAIDs are wonderful options, Animal Health Digest, January 29, 2018. Matthew Brunke, DVM stresses the importance of establishing good baseline blood work parameters and then following up on that blood work during courses of therapy.