1. Johnston S, McLaughlin R, Budsberg S. 2008. Nonsurgical Management of Osteoarthritis
in Dogs. Elsevier Inc.
Neither a specific cure nor treatments for Osteoarthritis (OA) exists. There are
some treatments that are still on trial since there is not a completely convincing
determined treatment for OA. The most common used and recommended treatment is
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The short term goal is to minimize the
agonizing symptoms, and the long term goal is to find the cure for it. Carprofen is one of
the newest NSAIDs accepted for use in dogs. A reasonable improvement in the comfort
level of dogs is observed once the recommended dosage of carprofen is administered.
Some NSAIDs include Etodolac, Aspirine, and Firocoxib which is the most recently
approved. Side effects include vomiting and diarrhea. Tepoxalin is a dual inhibitor of
cyclooxygenase(COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). As a result, the generation of
leukotrienes believed to boost proinflammatory cells is decreased. Chondroitin Sulfate
and Gulcosamine Hydrochloride also showed a positive effect in combating lameness.
Weight control and weight loss decreases the severity of hind and limb weakness.
Another nonsurgical treatment, cryotherapy is applied using ice packs and cold
compression wraps to support vasoconstriction and skeletal muscle relaxation. Moist heat
is used to increase blood flow in the region. In addition, warm baths, electric stimulation,
stretching, therapy with a physioball, and active exercise are used to treat osteoarthritis
resulting in benefits for the patients-canines. (Johnston et al.)

2. This instructive article will contribute to my literature review because it explains
the multiple treatments for Osteoarthritis. I am interested in Chondroitin Sulfate and
Glucosamine Hydrochloride along with the cryotherapy and active exercise. This will
help me to elaborate on my topic.