Osteoarthritis of the digits
Hello everyone. I have a 9yo intact male acd, and he was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his fourth and fifth fingers of the right front paw. I apologize for any wrong terms used in this post, English is my second language
The diagnosis is very recent, literally got it on Tuesday. I'm going to try and have a talk with our vet today, but unsure if he is available, I will probably only be able to make an actual appointment next week, since I will be off town from today until Monday. So I'm looking to answer some questions I have and get any tips on treatment, especially since this seems to be on the rarer side of conditions.
First of all, how worried should I be? Is this condition as debilitating and painful and difficult to manage as something like hip displasia?
How likely is it that he has osteoarthritis in any other limbs? My dog has to be put under soon for a broken tooth so I might just ask my vet to x-ray everything.
His only symptom that made me suspicious of anything being wrong was a splaying (?) of his fingers while walking. He has only started to show pain in the past five or so days.
Should I seek a physiotherapist or can I attempt muscle strengthening at home? Do you have any resources for exercises I can do? (have not looked into this yet)
I have read one article on this condition so far and plan to read more, if you have any resources please link them.
My vet has only prescribed a supplement so far, I understand that that's all we can have medication wise (vet is not aware of the limping, I'm calling him later today and he will probably prescribe me anti inflammatories). The prescription has Chondroitin, glucosamine, uc-ii, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium. Should I ask for anything else to be included? In the article I read the author cites omega 3 as a good supplement.
Should I supplement his food with anything else? Say, chicken feet, eggs... He currently eats good quality kibble. I'm unsure if I should change his food for medical grade kibble. I'm unable to offer a fully raw diet, only partial, with supplements and treats.
How likely is it that if he has no problems in other joints, that he will get something in the following years? He's only 9. It's a young age for a cattle dog and I'd like for him to live as long as possible. Hes super active, other than your usual acd injuries he's very healthy and the only age problem he has had so far is slowly developing cataracts.
He is obese. I mean. Was. He is just fat now. Unfortunately I've had a lot of problems controlling his weight, he has free access to a huge backyard with lots of fruit and small critters he insists on eating compulsively, and also family members who do not respect the proper amount of kibble he should be getting. After a lot of screaming and swearing I've managed to convince the family members to help in the weight loss. The fruit and critter situation is being handled as well as I can and so far he has lost 1.1kg. I was thinking he should lose another 1kg and let him stay at 20kg, but with this diagnosis I'm guessing he should be lighter. He is around 40cm at the withers and has your typical acd build. If possible, what should his ideal weight be? What body score am I looking for? (images please)
Sorry this is such a long post. My boy is the love of my life and I lost two dogs last year, the mere idea of him being in pain and having to be put down is already driving me insane. Any tips and experiences with this disease are welcome