Arthritis Support Clinic for Dogs
Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in our dogs, affecting 80% over the age of eight. It is a progressive condition, which sadly has no cure but with care and attention it can be managed very successfully and your dog can live a comfortable and long life, and we are here to support you on that journey.
The leading cause of arthritis is developmental joint disease, which can affect dogs from as young as 8 months old. These facts and figures can seem extremely worrying, no one wants to consider that their young puppy might develop a debilitating condition. The good news is that there are so many ways in which we can help you and your dog.
A diagnosis of arthritis is not the end, it is just the beginning of a new journey.
Our clinic is a six-month complete support package which can be tailored to your individual dog’s needs. Led by our qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN) all clinics will include:
- An initial 30 minute assessment and discussion appointment
- Followed by up to eight further sessions, covering all aspects of arthritis management and tracking your progress
- Body and muscle condition score assessments each
- Movement therapy exercises, with full training so you can also do them at home
- Home modification advice
- Nutrition support and advice
- Personalised exercise care plan
- Canine Arthritis Management’s The Osteoarthritis Booklet
- One medication review consultation with a Vet
- One monitoring blood test
Our RVNs will help guide you through all aspects of your arthritic dog’s care.
We will discuss recommendations for reaching and maintaining optimum body and muscle condition scores. This can include nutritional support and a range of simple stretches and exercises for you to do at home with your dog. Exercise is just as important for an arthritic dog as for any other, we will guide your through creating an exercise care plan to reduce impact on sore joints.
When any prescription medication has been prescribed our Vets are legally obligated to perform regular medication reviews with your pet. We have included the first medication review appointment in our Arthritis Support Clinic package. For pets on long term medication for chronic conditions we will often recommend a blood test that screens liver and kidney function on an annual basis, this clinic includes one monitoring blood screen at the end of the six-month clinic.
The fee for the arthritis support clinic is £400, which represents a saving of £200 if all the elements are booked separately
Pet Health Club members qualify for a 10% discount on these fees.
