Are there any Advances in Arthritis Treatment?
Services Contacts Staff Info Pet Links Pet News What's New? Take a Tour Senior Pages		By Dr. Fred Metzger Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain we see as veterinarians. Stiffness and difficulty rising, walking and climbing stairs may be early indications of arthritis. Cold weather, sudden weather changes or heavy exercise can make the pain worse and any of these signs more noticeable. While older, overweight and larger breed dogs are more prone to osteoarthritis, this degenerative disease can affect any type, or size or age of dog. Carprofen, a new pain medication, is improving the quality of life for dogs with arthritis Specifically developed for the safe and effective treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs, carprofen can put quality of life ahead of pain in your best friend. The new medication does not cure osteoarthritis but it does help relieve pain, stiffness and lameness so dogs can move freely and happily again. At Metzger Animal Hospital, we recommend that dogs about to start carprofen undergo a minimum health screen that includes a blood profile. Although this medication is very safe, a pre-carprofen blood profile will insure your pet has no medical conditions like anemia, infection, and diabetes or kidney disease which may cause complications to arise. Learn the signs of osteoarthritis, watch for them, and at the first indication give your veterinarian a call for an appointment. If arthritis is diagnosed in your best friend, real relief is now possible.