Grove Lodge Vets Join Forces With Pfizer Animal Health To Educate Dog Owners About Arthritis

Labradors can commonly suffer from arthritis. Photo credit: Pfizer Grove Lodge Vets help dog lovers spot signs of arthritis & explain treatment options Did you know that nowadays at least 1 in 5 dogs suffers from painful arthritis, and with temperatures getting lower as we head into winter months pets – like many of us – will feel the cold and damp especially if already suffering from underlying osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis means degeneration of the joint and there are many different causes, all causing pain and inflammation negatively affecting your pet's quality of life. It might not be obvious to you that your pet is in discomfort, but signs such as reduced willingness to exercise, lameness, loss of appetite, change of mood or even sleeping more, can all be indicators of pain and should be checked out by your vet as soon as possible. On Tuesday 4th December Grove Lodge Vets join forces with Pfizer Animal Health to help raise awareness of osteoarthritis that is sometimes just thought to be the dog ‘getting old’. Expert speakers on this unique educational evening include one of Grove Lodge Vet’s most experienced orthopaedic surgeons Mark Pertwee BVMS Cert SAS Cert VDI MRCVS, Gemma Hopkins BVetMed MRCVS, and Chartered Animal Physiotherapist Julia Martin MCSP; all keen to share with you their invaluable tips on causes, symptoms, prevention, and safe treatment options for canine osteoarthritis. Vet Mark Pertwee says “Osteoarthritis is a condition which affects many animals and is not just confined to older dogs and cats - younger animals can be affected too especially if they have problems such as hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament disease. “Osteoarthritis is not curable but it is treatable and the mainstays of treatment are: weight loss, moderate consistent exercise, physiotherapy and careful use of anti-inflammatory drugs and joint supplements. If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis your vet will be able formulate an individually tailored treatment plan which will allow your pet to have a much happier more comfortable life.” Canine physiotherapist Julia Martin adds “Dogs and cats can gain great benefits, just like us humans, when given a professionally tailored physiotherapy assessment and treatment - including advice on home techniques and exercise approaches. Physiotherapy is especially used to reduce pain, improve muscle bulk, strength, balance and function, increase movement quality and fitness.”   This special evening dedicated to arthritis in dogs will take place on Tuesday 4th December from 7pm at Grove Lodge Vet’s brand new Southwick Clinic, 21 Southwick Street, Southwick, BN42 4AD, and is open to all clients of Grove Lodge Vets especially with dogs over 8 years of age. Cheese and wine will be available on the night which will also provide a great opportunity to meet local dog lovers. To book your free place please call Grove Lodge Vets Southwick on 01273 596201 or email [email protected].

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