Top 5 reasons to treat chronic OA pain like the chronic disease it is

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Managing osteoarthritis in dogs requires a shift in perspective, moving away from reactive "as-needed" treatments toward a philosophy of consistent, long-term care. Just as chronic conditions like diabet

es or heart failure demand steady management, canine joint pain is a daily reality that requires a proactive and comprehensive solution.

By prioritizing regular pain control, clients can unlock a cycle of health benefits, ranging from more effective weight loss and muscle preservation to a significant restoration of the dog's overall quality of life.

Below is a full transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

Michael Petty, DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CCRT, CAAPM: Hello. I'm Dr. Mike Petty, and I'm a veterinarian and a certified pain practitioner. I see too many people use pain meds on an as needed basis, but the pain is always there, and so should the management. We would never consider treating diabetes or heart failure only when signs flare, we need to be consistent with our treatment.

Reason number 2, pain free dogs lose weight easier. Weight loss is a top treatment for treating osteoarthritis, but it's hard to lose weight if they can't move around. Controlling pain means they walk, play and move more. Clinical studies show that weight loss decreases the pressure and hence the joint pain, but controlling the pain is a vital first step.

Reason 3, increased movement has a positive impact on muscle mass and subsequent joint support. Muscles act as shock absorbers for the joints, but muscle mass quickly diminishes if dogs cannot move around. Controlled pain means that dogs can preserve or even build muscle tissue, ultimately slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and the pain it causes.

Reason 4 chronic pain management plans being consistent check ins osteoarthritis. Management isn't once and done. Chronic care is needed for this constantly evolving disease. Regular visits let us monitor progress and pick up on new issues more quickly, allowing us to adjust treatments, discover new issues and help keep our patients pain free.

Finally, and most importantly, Several studies show that the quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis improves when the pain is controlled. One study found that dogs receiving treatment, for osteoarthritis pain experience significant improvement after 3 months of treatment. Their quality of life was nearly the same as that of normal dogs, that is our goal. In summary, osteoarthritis is a daily problem, demanding daily solutions that include consistent, comprehensive and proactive care.

Together, by treating osteoarthritis pain as the chronic disease it is, we can truly improve the lives of our patients and the people who love them.