Many veterinarians will try to pressure owners into immediately proceeding with surgical intervention to repair a dog’s damaged cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) by saying early intervention will decrease the likelihood of arthritic changes to the knee. There is some truth to this – restriction of the knee joint after injury does help to minimize the progression of arthritic tissue in a dog with a CCL injury, but the necessary amount of restriction can be reached with conservative techniques as well as surgery. Restricting your dog’s activity following a cruciate ligament injury is your best defense against arthritis, and no owner should ever be made to feel as though surgery is their only option.

The truth is, all dogs that sustain a cruciate ligament tear or rupture are at an increased risk for arthritis, no matter at what point surgery (if ever) is undertaken. There is no evidence that dogs who recover using Conservative Management (CM), and dogs who recover with surgery show any differences in the development of future arthritic problems. Proper restriction during recovery and avoiding high-risk activities after recovery, together with weight control, good nutrition, and joint-supporting supplements are what minimize the chances of future arthritic problems – not immediate surgical intervention.

Does CCL Repair Surgery Lessen Arthritis Risk? is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These medications are most often prescribed to dogs for pain, inflammation and to aid in fever reduction. NSAIDs are most commonly used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic pain in geriatric pets. Aspirin and ibuprofen are well-recognized human NSAIDs, and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has approved specific NSAIDs for use in pets with osteoarthritis. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation, and can be highly effective for controlling discomfort in arthritic and post op pets.

The FDA considers NSAIDs to be “safe and effective when used according to the label and when pet owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the NSAIDs are available today are much safer than they have ever been in the past and cause far fewer side effects. The FDA also notes that “duration of use makes a difference in the safety” of NSAIDs as the risk of side effects can increase the longer a pet is given an NSAID. The FDA considers approved NSAIDs to be safe and effective when used according to the label and when dog owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.

What are possible adverse reactions/side effects to NSAID use?

• Change in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements
• Change in behavior
• Seizures
• Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes
• Change in drinking habits
• Change in urination habits
• Change in skin – redness, scabs or scratching
• Lethargy and/or depression

More serious side effects included gastro-
intestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, and in
rare cases, kidney and liver damage, and death.

What NSAIDs are approved for use in my dog?

• Etogesic (etodolac)
• Rimadyl (carprofen)
• Metacam (meloxicam)
• Zubrin (tepoxalin)
• Deramaxx (deracoxib)
• Previcox (firocoxib)
• Novox (generic carprofen)

Safety of Anti Inflammatory Medications, NSAIDs is a post from: Dog Knee Injury