Has your pet:

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Slowed down? Become less enthusiastic when you arrive back home? Stopped jumping up to favourite sleeping places?

Become snappy or reclusive?

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These could be signs of pain, and if your vet has diagnosed Osteoarthritis it can initially feel like a sledgehammer blow; no-one likes to think their beloved companion might be in pain. 

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Thankfully, veterinary knowledge is evolving constantly and there are many things we can do to increase the longevity and quality of life for our older pets. Laser therapy is one of them. As a Vet Nurse, I run a senior pet care clinic at Upton Vets in Dorset and have a lot of experience in treating OA, plus I have a background in supplements and regenerative medicine. Here are some quick facts:

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• 80% of dogs over the age of 8 have arthritis in the UK.

• 90% of cats over 12 years old have arthritis in the UK.

• 25% of labradors are euthanised because of osteoarthritis.

• Being 30% over their ideal weight makes a dog's likelihood of developing OA at 80%, compared to just 15% if pets are kept lean.

• 8% weight loss is equivalent to being on anti-inflammatories in terms of reduction of pain. 

 

Acting as soon as possible is the best to minimise disease progression - there is SO much we can do! Our aim is to: 

• Maintain the quality of life for your pet, and

• Maintain the precious bond you both have. 

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I advocate a multimodal approach, collaborating with your vet, your physio, hydrotherapist, and the wealth of information contained on Canine Arthritis Management.

I can help you integrate all the options available and give you guidance on evidence-led treatment courses. Lots can be done within the home too; for example rugs on hard floors, raising beds & bowls, providing ramps & steps to get up to sofas/car etc. 'Orvis' has some great aids such as slings. 

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K-laser therapy is a key part of our approach. K-laser works uniquely to anything else, by helping to:

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• reduce overall inflammation,

• improve blood supply to poorly vascularised areas such as tendons and ligaments, 

• rebuild muscle, and

• 'reset' over-sensitised nerves. 

 

It takes approximately 4-18 treatments (depending on complexity and chronicity) to reduce the pain and get your pet moving comfortably enough to use hydrotherapy. Your vet will oversee & be part of the plan, to include other therapies such as controlled exercise & physio to help muscular support of the affected joint(s). Once musculature is rebuilt, top-ups once a month may be needed but we can play it by how your pet responds.

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I pain-score your pet pre, during, and post-treatment to ensure progress, and together we plan a holistic approach to the condition. Book now for a free discussion. In order to start, we need permission & relevant history from your vet. Email is fine for this. 

 

Together we can help you both glow for longer!

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