“My pet has a sensitive tummy. How can I manage their arthritis and maximise their mobility without upsetting their stomach?”
Traditionally, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as carprofen, meloxicam or firocoxib have been used to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in pets. While these drugs can be very effective, some sensitive-tummied pets aren’t able to tolerate them, developing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or even potentially severe gut ulceration and bleeding.
So, what are the options for arthritic pets who just “can’t stomach” NSAIDs? Don’t worry, there are still lots of ways we can help!
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Alternative pain relief options
Even if a pet can’t tolerate NSAIDs, there are still several pain relief options available for them. Depending on any other health or behavioural issues the pet has, our vets may discuss options including:
- Paracetamol – for dogs with healthy liver function, but NEVER for cats (as cats cannot safely metabolise paracetamol, so it causes poisoning).
- Amantadine or intermittent low-dose ketamine injections – these drugs can help reduce the increased sensitivity that can occur with chronic pain.
- Gabapentin – this drug can help relieve chronic nerve-related pain in dogs and cats and is also a bit of a “chill pill”!
- Prescription CBD – safe prescription CBD initiated at a low dose and gradually increased to an effective level can have great pain relief, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulation and anti-anxiety effects for dogs!
- Nerve blocks – specialised pet pain relief services can administer nerve blocks under ultrasound guidance to help reduce pain in problematic joints.
- Monthly pain relief injections – for select cases, monthly monoclonal antibody pain relief injections can help block nerve growth factor, thereby preventing joint pain signals from reaching the brain.
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Supplements
Pet-safe supplements (such as fish oil, PEA, epitalis and turmeric) administered at therapeutic dosages can help simmer down arthritis inflammation and pain on a day-to-day basis, so can be a useful adjunct to other pain relief drugs.
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Disease-modifying drugs
Pentosan polysulfate sodium (often just referred to as pentosan) is believed to help reduce joint inflammation and increase healthy blood flow to joints, and may help to preserve healthy joint fluid and cartilage.
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Weight management
If a pet is overweight, helping them to slim down to a lean, healthy body condition has been proven to significantly reduce arthritis symptoms, even without any other treatments!
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Environmental support
To allow pets with reduced mobility to navigate the home safely and comfortably, there are a multitude of environmental aids available, including indoor pet toilet options, non-slip mats and ramps, and raised bowls and beds.
“So, which option is best for my pet?”
For pets with mild arthritis, it’s often best to start with the gentler support options, such as weight management and pentosan or a quality supplement. For those who have progressed to moderate to severe arthritis, a multimodal treatment plan (i.e. using a supplement, weight management and environmental support, and then adding one or more other pain relief options) is usually the best way of managing their more significant pain without causing excessive side effects.
For personalised joint health recommendations for your senior pup or kitty, consult our knowledgeable vets.
