Is Your Dog At Risk for Osteoarthritis?
(ARA)
- While 10 million dogs currently suffer from the chronic pain of
osteoarthritis, it is now understood that millions more may be at
risk of developing the disease. While many dog owners think the
disease only affects older animals, veterinarians point to things
you wouldn’t necessarily think of as leading risk factors:
obesity and breed.
Research now confirms what
many veterinarians have believed for years -- overweight dogs
are at greater risk for arthritis. Dr. Brian Beale, a veterinary
surgeon and canine arthritis expert at Houston’s Gulf Coast
Veterinary Specialists, says that obese dogs can develop arthritis
sooner than lean dogs. An estimated 15 million U.S. dogs are considered
overweight, and they comprise the largest group of dogs at risk
for canine arthritis.
A dog’s breed can also
greatly affect the chance of developing the painful disease. Seventy-percent
of the 16 million golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and German
shepherds (the country’s three most popular breeds) are genetically
predisposed to the disease.
“Dogs experience pain
the same way humans do, and arthritis pain is the most common
form of pain they encounter,” says Beale. “Unfortunately,
many dog owners don’t realize their pets are suffering.”
Beale says the signs are
often subtle and easily overlooked or misinterpreted. Symptoms
of pain may include limping; difficulty moving, walking, running,
climbing or jumping; and sensitivity to physical contact.
“A dog that fails to
jump in bed with his owners at night after doing it for years,
or one that suddenly struggles to get in the car, may be dealing
with arthritis,” Beale explains. “If you see these signs,
get to a veterinarian. We can properly diagnose the disease and
begin professional treatment.”
Thanks to advancements in
medical research, dogs can now benefit from the same coxib class
of pain control as human arthritis sufferers. Deramaxx chewable
tablets -- by Novartis Animal Health -- have been approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of
pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis. It
is the first and only drug that controls canine arthritis pain
and inflammation in a way similar to its human counterparts, Celebrex
and Vioxx -- two drugs that have revolutionized the treatment
of human arthritis.
“The first step in
controlling the pain of canine arthritis begins with a visit to
the veterinarian,” says Beale. “A simple conversation
followed by a brief exam can lead to that important diagnosis,
and treatment options can include diet, exercise and pain control
such as Deramaxx.”
For more information about
the benefits Deramaxx has to offer for your pet, log on to www.deramaxx.com.
Resource:
Courtesy of ARA
Content
EDITOR’S
NOTES: About Deramaxx (deracoxib)
Deramaxx chewable
beefy-flavored tablets make the once-a-day dosing an enjoyable
experience for both dogs and owners. The dosage and administration
of Deramaxx for the control of OA pain and inflammation depends
on the dog’s weight. A veterinarian will recommend proper
dosing levels.
As with all drugs
in this class, side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys
or liver may occur. These are normally mild, but may be serious.
Pet owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian
immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing
conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for pets on
any medication, including Deramaxx. Use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
should be avoided or closely monitored. Pet owners should refer
to the full product insert for more information.
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