OSTEOARTHRITIS PROTOCOL

3 Grades of Osteoarthrisits

Grade 1 - Asymptomatic, but has joint disease or is predisposed to joint disease.  Examples: asymptomatic patellar luxation, obese golden retriever, young dog with fracture repair.

• Weight control is vital
• J/D Diet
• Regular low impact exercise
• cosequin or Adequan

Grade 2 - current joint disease with chronic to intermittent symptoms

• Same as grade 1 plus NSAIDs as needed.
• Physical therapy at home (strenght building)

Grade 3 - persistent, moderate to severe symptoms

• same as grade 1 plus daily NSAIDs
• Tramadol once to twice daily.
• Intense physical therapy (heat, stretch, exercise, cool)
• Salvage drug - depo medrol

PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOL

Improves flexibility, strengthens muscle to take pressure off of joints, stimulates cartilage metabolism and increases nutrient diffusion.

Moderate - mild exercise twice daily (several short sessions instead of one long session)

Severe:

• Heat (heated rice bags in socks)
• Stretch to endpoints (just before pain) and "bounce" 15 times.
• Exercise
• Ice (1 part alcohol and 2 parts water in freezer bag 1/2 full - keep in freezer) 15-20 min.