Arthritis Clinic

Canine Osteoarthrits is a painful and debilitating condition. In dogs aged 4 years or less 39.8% have osteoarthritis in a least one joint. This increases to 60% in dogs greater than 4 years of age and of this 23.6% are deemed to have clinical OA. 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years have osteoarthritis.

Many young dogs have advanced osteoarthritis due to developmental disease such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

The disease "journey" in osteoarthritis is complex. A joint injury will result in acute pain and an intermittent lameness. As the disease progresses the pain becomes a mix of acute and chronic pain and the lameness is more persistent. Behavioural changes can be seen. In the end stages of joint osteoarthritis the pain is both acute (if a flareup occurs) and advanced chronic pain. Persistent lameness, behavioural changes and disability will be seen.

I am passionate about the management of arthritis for our canine friends and with that in mind I have set up a dedicated clinic just for dogs suffering from arthritis. This clinic incorporates a Muscular Health Check (MHC) and looks in more detail at how you can help manage your dog's arthritis - lifestyle and activities of daily living, weight management and rehabilitation and exercise management. This clinic is for one hour. If I feel that clinical canine massage therapy would be suitable for your dog a sperate appointment, will be made for the first treatment and the cost reduced to £30 (Subsequent treatments £40)

Why is osteoarthritis so damaging?

This can be used in conjunction with other alternative therapies. It takes into account the whole person and helps activate each patient’s natural healing processes as well as restoring their physical and emotional well-being.