Spotting the signs of osteoarthritis

With practices reporting more cases of canine osteoarthritis (OA) the importance of owner awareness and education is ever more important. Merial Animal Health, has produced a Q&A-style guide for veterinary practices to place in their waiting rooms, and give to their clients.

The countertop guide provides owners with an explanation of the condition, a symptoms guide, along with a check list with key signs to help alert owners to the possible signs and encourage them to consult their vet.

Previcox product manager, Claire Parry-Baggott, explains: "I'm sure many owners recognise severe osteoarthritis because by that stage movement is severely impaired. But it's the mild and early stages that owners might overlook," she says.

"For many owners, mild or moderate canine osteoarthritis is something that is easily overlooked, or just dismissed as 'old age'.

"This is not only a welfare issue, but also provides an opportunity for vets to diagnose and treat animals which may have otherwise been missed, or would have reached more advanced stages before help was sought," she adds.

For practices wanting copies of the guide please contact your local Merial territory manager, or call 0870 6000 123

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