References
Osteoarthritis in canines part 1: geriatric pain management
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a developmental disease that progresses as the canine ages. While incurable, there are ways to help mitigate the severity of the disease. Geriatric patients often have pain, lowered mobility, and decreased quality of life. Utilisation of clinical metrology instruments (CMIs), published pain management guidelines, multimodal medications, published quality of life scales, and the use of physical rehabilitation modalities/techniques enable the dog to live a full life. The dog's advancing age does not have to cause abrupt cessation of activities that all family members enjoy. Environmental modification and client education allow dogs to enjoy their entire life with their families.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and low-grade inflammatory disease that affects humans, companion, and captive animals (Cimino Brown, 2017; Mobasheri et al, 2021). Cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, and the crosstalk between these tissues are central components of osteoarthritis development (Berenbaum et al, 2013; Findlay and Kuliwaba, 2016). Chronic pain that involves both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms (Lowe, 2021) develop into negative consequences related to pain, mobility, and decreased quality of life (Figure 1).
Clinical issues that are seen with ageing, geriatric patients are decreased proprioception and muscle atrophy (Goldberg et al, 2021). Medical issues that occur frequently are obesity, neoplasia, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and loss of sensory acuity (Goldberg et al, 2021). Both these clinical and medical issues will compound the advancement and severity of osteoarthritis (Box 1).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.