Lintbells is a global leader in joint support products for dogs, cats and horses and SV Group is proud to be distributing their products across the Middle East. With a focus on sustainably sourced products and cutting-edge methods, Lintbells products should be integral part of your animals health routine.

Thursday, 12th March 2020 at 8 pm GMT, Lintbells sponsored a webinar – ‘Small animal arthritis- a focus on Osteoarthritis’ with Dr Ben Garland, BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS. Dr Garland graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2014 and has practiced across the United Kingdom with a particular interest in the management of elbow dysplasia and spinal surgery.

This webinar was of particular interest to our local veterinary community as the topics discussed focused on Osteoarthritis, a common disease in our small animal patients, with a far reaching and significant impact on patient quality of life. As a common type of joint disease (the synovial joint) this condition is not curable but instead must be managed. With a variable and fluctuating course, this condition presents a life-long challenge to effectively improve the patient’s quality of life.

Overview of the webinar:

‘Small animal arthritis – a focus on osteoarthritis’ with Dr Ben Garland, BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS -the recording is now available to view after registering for free with Elearning.vet.

Sponsored by Lintbell’s, this webinar covers all types of arthritis, with a focus on degenerative joint disease.
With a thorough revision of the synovial joint and accompanying supporting tissues, Dr Garland proceeds to work through inflammatory and infectious causes of arthritis, reviewing the diagnostic and treatment options as well as prognoses.
The main topic of the webinar is non-inflammatory joint disease, with the latest research reviewed and discussed. Surgical options are also explored, with respect to appropriate case choices and procedure options.

A six-point multi-modal plan for success in management of Osteoarthritis (OA) is outlined;

• Communication – with the emphasis on effective communication with owners. It is important they recognize the condition is incurable but manageable. To manage expectations, owners must understand the dynamic nature of the condition, and that treatment protocols will need adjustment over time. At time of diagnosis, the realistic outcomes must be addressed- return to full function/work/athletic ability may be unlikely.
• Weight management – if the pet is overweight or obese, this must be addressed in addition to treatment for OA. Weight clinics and prescription diets will be the mainstay as exercise must be controlled with respect to pain.
• Exercise and environment modification – Avoidance of high impact exercise- steady, low speed, regular lead exercise can be increased over time if tolerated. Environmental modification will rely on the individual owner’s situation- avoiding stairs, jumping onto furniture and may involve modification using ramps and orthopaedic mattresses.
• Physical therapies (including laser and hydrotherapy) have many benefits; including analgesia, increasing range-of-motion in affected joints, prevention of fibrosis and contracture of muscles, and can aid in recovery from surgery.
• Nutritional Supplements – the aim is to supplement dietary intake of the components of cartilage and synovial fluid. Evidence supports the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids and green–lipped mussel extract.
• Medication – both symptom-modifying and structure-modifying options are discussed, as well as novel therapies such as stem cell therapy and the use of platelet rich plasma.

Dr Garland’s webinar is extremely thorough and a brilliant overview on a very common condition in general practice. The talk provides a framework for a multi-modal approach to management of the condition. Advice can be found with regards to communication to owners and utilization of the whole veterinary team to achieve the best outcome for your patients.

Postdate: 24th March 2020