Arthritis in dogs is usually targeted from a variety of angles. One of the common medications administered is a course of ‘arthritis injection’s’.
So what are arthritis injections?
Arthritis injections are disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOAD). They usually contain the medication pentosan polysulfate. Pentosan polysulfate has been shown to reduce inflammation in joint fluid that would potentially cause damage to the cartilage in the joint; it also helps cartilage healing by increasing production of the building blocks of chondrocytes, the cells that make up cartilage; and stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid which is a component of healthy joint fluid.
The initial course of arthritis injections are a course of 4 injections 1 week apart. It often takes 3-4 weeks before we notice an improvement in the dog’s arthritis symptoms, but even if we cannot see a change in symptoms the medication is likely to be helping the overall joint health.
Many of our patients benefit from booster injections or courses of arthritis injections, the frequency of which may be decided in consultation with your vet.