Pain and Mobility Clinic

Has your pet been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) or another painful condition? Do you suspect your dog may be suffering from the condition? Or do you own a breed that is particularly susceptible to developing OA (Labradors, Springer spaniels, Golden retrievers, German shepherds and crosses which contain these breeds in their ancestry)? 20% of all dogs, and 80% of those over 8 years old are estimated to be affected by osteoarthritis.

Signs of osteoarthritic pain in dogs:

• Restlessness, cannot get comfortable
• Limping/ lameness
• Personality changes - becoming grumpy/ reactive with other dogs or people
• Sleeping more/ less
• Coat Changes
• Licking limbs/joints
• Slowing down on walks
• Stiffness
• Changes in ability to jump or use the stairs

Signs of osteoarthritic pain in cats:

• Slowing down
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced activity, sleeping more
• Difficulty using stairs/ jumping
• Stiffness
• Changes in toileting habits
• Coat changes/ not grooming as much
• Weight loss
• Personality changes- becoming grumpy with other animals or people
• Overgrown claws due to lack of activity and reduced sharpening of claws

Our Mobility and Pain Clinic provides bespoke advice for your pet.

Run from our Plymstock surgery on a Wednesday (9am - 2:30pm), our vet Jane Madge, will perform an initial consultation and examination which usually takes one hour. You will be provided with a report and advice on pain management, medication, lifestyle modifications and additional therapies.

Jane is a member or the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA), the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA) and the Western Veterinary Acupuncture Group (WVAG). She has a special interest in Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats and aims to improve the quality life of Elm Veterinary Group's osteoarthritic patients.

If you are not registered with us, you can ask your vets for a referral.  Appointments can be made by contacting either surgery; Milehouse on 01752 567567 or Plymstock on 01752 481599. Or, for further information, email milehouse@elmvetgroup.co.uk