How can I manage my black Labrador 's arthritis better?

Question:
I have a seven-year-old, black Labrador. Last October he was diagnosed with severe arthritis in the elbows, possibly due to osteochondritis (OCD).

I am giving him glucosamine but have been told by the vet that anti-inflammatory drugs should only be used occasionally because of side effects. I was also told that he should lose weight (he is 42kg) and be exercised only on the lead. The diet is difficult as he is obsessed with food, particularly now exercise is restricted. I am finding it hard to manage him as he is still so active but hindered by the disease.

Answer:
This is a difficult but extremely common problem, and I'm sure many other readers will identify with you. Dogs with lameness and arthritic changes in their joints do best if they are slim as it reduces the workload on the joints, although it is hard to reduce the weight of a dog who has to have restricted exercise. This is the most important line of treatment though - weight loss can make a tremendous difference to such dogs and may even resolve the lameness. I'd advise you to discuss your dog's diet further with your vet/veterinary nurse - they should be able to set you up with a diet plan involving reduced food rations or the use of a low-calorie diet (you usually have to reduce a dog's calorific intake by at least a third to achieve weight loss).

As far as exercise goes, it might also be worth discussing with your vet whether it would be safe for your dog to swim regularly. If so, you could take him to a canine pool twice a week for exercise which won't involve weight-bearing on his sore limbs.

In the meantime, it may be worth discussing methods of pain relief further with your vet. If your dog is otherwise healthy there may be medicines which he could use safely, otherwise acupuncture is a very safe method of pain relief which might help. Ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary acupuncturist in your area.

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