In the last column a few weeks ago, I discussed the fact that
pain control is a fast-evolving field in veterinary medicine.
In the last column a few weeks ago, I discussed the fact that pain control is a fast-evolving field in veterinary medicine. It’s important to take a fresh look at your pets to assess them for pain control and not just assume they will show signs of pain because they are older. Pain is not caused by age alone, but by genetic predispositions and a life history. Hip dysplasia is a good example of genetic problems. Traumatic injuries to joints, diseases like Lyme disease and being chronically overweight are life history-related examples.
Many older animals are very active and show no signs of pain – even though they may not be as energetic as the puppy or kitten they once were. Look for the signs of pain and discomfort such as: Does your dog tire easily? Limp or lag behind on walks? Appear stiff after activity? Climb stairs reluctantly? Stand up slowly? Is he or she unwilling to play or disinterested in activities in the home? Do they vocalize as if in pain? Are they fat? Do the thigh muscles seem smaller or weaker than they should be?
If you see signs of possible pain, it is time to see your veterinarian for a pain assessment. Your description of these changes, the vet’s physical examination, blood work and X-rays are tools that we use to assess pain in the hospital or clinic. Often we will do medication trials to help complete the assessment and decide on the best treatment for your pet.
One of the most common causes of pain in pets is being overweight. Purina recently completed a 15-year study of dogs that were normal weight versus those that were 20 percent overweight. The overweight dogs lived two years less than the normal-weight dogs. The most significant reason for their shortened lives was arthritis, which was either directly caused or significantly worsened by the excess weight.
The amount of stress and work a joint has to do is a direct result of normal versus abnormal structure and body conditioning. An abnormally formed joint won’t work as smoothly as a normal joint. The stresses on the joint are not evenly distributed, so some parts of the joint bear unusual stresses. The joint is beaten up every day. The result will be inflammation, pain and arthritic changes occurring in a slow, steady downward spiral.
With a poorly conditioned body that has either poor muscle support or carries the extra weight of obesity, even if the anatomy of the joint is normal, the work it has to do is abnormal. This will also result in that slow, steady downward spiral toward arthritis and pain.
How can you assess your pets’ body weight? Your veterinarian can use a “body scoring” method to compare your pet to what is considered ideal. At home you can use a few simple tests. Look for a nice tuck in the belly area. It should sink in somewhat from the sides and from the floor up. If you do not see this, your pet may be overweight.
Another simple test is to run your hands gently along the side of your pet’s chest. You should be able to count the ribs by touch and without having to apply any pressure. If you find that you have to push through more than a quarter-inch of fat, your pet is probably overweight. If there is any doubt in your mind, let your veterinarian help you assess your pet’s weight, and advise you on a weight-loss and control program that would include diet and activity changes.
In the case of congenital and genetic problems, there are day-to-day home-management techniques that can slow the negative changes that are bound to occur. These include things such as weight control; having your pet on softer, more resilient surfaces; and exercising your pet enough to maintain good muscle mass and tone without over-stressing the joints. A dog with a tendency toward hip dysplasia will worsen more slowly if they go for walks on even surfaces and sleep on a carpet or cushion than if they live on cement and play Frisbee. Weight control is a critical part of this home management.
Veterinarians have specific prescription diets for weight control, and we also now have a specific diet for arthritis, containing nutritional elements that can decrease pain and slow the disease’s progression. Taking advantage of these diets is typically more effective and less expensive than buying nutritional supplements separately.
The next column will discuss some of the medications that can decrease pain and slow the progression of arthritis in your pets. The question to always ask yourself and your veterinarian is, will doing this (whatever “this” is) be likely to result in a longer, happier, healthier life for your pet, and a longer relationship between your pet and your family? If the answer is yes, then action should be taken.
Dr. John Quick is a 25-year resident of Morgan Hill. He owns and operates the Animal Care Center in Morgan Hill. He is a founder of the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center as well as the Furry Friends Foundation, which does pet facilitated therapy throughout the county. Reach him at jn*****@******nd.net.
