Here’s a list of the latest veterinary treatments that can help your pet’s arthritis.
New Drug For Arthritis In Dogs
Galliprant, recently approved by the FDA, is a new, nonsteroidal drug that works better than members of its class with much less risk to the liver, kidneys and digestive tract. It is given just once a day as a small pill by mouth.
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Stem Cell Therapy
Animal Medical of New City offers stem cell therapy for dogs to reduce joint pain and to promote healing.
Stem cell therapy begins with the harvesting of bone marrow or fat (adipose tissue) from the patient in a minimally-invasive, laparascopic procedure. The tissue is then processed to Increase the number of stem cells, and then reinjected into the patient’s area of pain or injected intravenously. Once injected, the stem cells reduce inflammation and help regenerate damaged tissue. Several studies have confirmed the success of stem cell therapy in dogs as a treatment for joint injury and pain.
“In companion animals, stem cell therapy is used most often for degenerative disorders. A study of 93 client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis of the hips, elbows, stifles, or shoulders was conducted at sites across the United States. After 2 months, dogs treated with allogeneic adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells exhibited greater improvements in owner-assessed activity and greater decreases in veterinary-assessed pain compared with dogs that received placebo treatment.”
American Veterinarian, February 18th, 2018
Stem Cell Therapy for Kidney Disease in Dogs And Stomatitis in Cats
In addition to its use for joint, tendon, and ligament injury and pain, stem cell therapy can be used to treat kidney disease and to help cats suffering from stomatitis (chronic inflammation of the gums). If you want to consult with one of our veterinarians and find out if stem cell therapy can be used to treat your dog or cat, reach out to us at 845-638-3600.
Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (sometimes called cold laser therapy) has been proven to reduce pain, inflammation, and to promote healing in dogs and cats.
As part of our Physical Medicine Department that specializes in elderly pets and pets with chronic pain, we offer laser therapy. Laser therapy is non-invasive and feels great. Animals typically lie back and enjoy the treatment, often dozing off while receiving it. Unlike their surgical counterparts, therapeutic lasers operate at a different wavelength. They penetrate tissue to increase lymphatic fluid and blood flow. Therapy lasers are used in a number of ways:
- On surgery incisions to decrease healing time
- For stubborn wounds that will not heal
- As a treatment option for certain skin conditions
- To reduce joint pain
- In conjunction with other therapies for a synergistic, positive outcome
Nutrition and Weight Loss
Good nutrition and weight loss, along with NSAIDS, are a proven method of reducing joint pain. Products like glucosamine and weight reduction formulas like Hill’s Prescription WD improve joint health, help pets to lose weight, and decrease the stress put on joints.
Acupuncture and Physical Therapy for Dogs and Cats
Dr. Lisa Schenkel supervises our Physical Medicine Department that combines modern day western forms of treatment with more traditional, Eastern modalities like acupuncture, massage, and pressure points. Dr. Lisa Schenkel was trained at the University of Colorado Veterinary College and has a post doctoral certification in Physical Medicine. Her results in treating pets with chronic illness or those that are at the end stages of life have been inspirational and telling of the value of Physical Medicine for dogs and cats.
Additional Reading
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Western and Eastern medicine meet
Senior Pet Health
Longer, healthier lives
