Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - May '24

Page 8, Martin Downs

tip of tHe tail

Osteoarthritis Management In the skin for one month and then once to twice monthly comprehensive strategy for managing OA in dogs and cats.
Dogs And Cats thereafter for maintenance. More recently, Solensia By addressing the underlying inflammation, supporting
(cat) and Librela (dogs) injections were released into the
joint health and promoting tissue repair, pet owners can
market for managing long-term pain. These are monoclonal help alleviate pain and improve the quality of their pet’s
antibodies against a substance called “nerve growth factor,” life. However, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian
which is involved in the development of chronic pain. before initiating any treatment regimen, as individualized
Injections are given monthly, and 77 percent of pet owners care tailored to the specific needs of the pet is paramount
report improvement in function with this treatment. for optimal outcomes. With proper care and attention,
Shockwave therapy has emerged as a novel and effective pets with OA can lead happier, healthier lives for years
treatment modality for OA in both dogs and cats. This to come.
noninvasive therapy involves the application of high-energy Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
acoustic waves to the affected joints, stimulating tissue Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
repair and reducing inflammation. Shockwave therapy for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
has been shown to improve pain scores, increase range of surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
motion, and enhance overall quality of life in pets suffering medicine, extensive diagnostics and emergency service,
from OA. Shockwave therapy can be combined with Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
What we often hear as vets during an exam is “She physical therapy and an exercise program for best results. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
is just slowing down some, starting to show her age. Combining these approaches – conventional medications owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
She wakes up and limps for a few minutes or it takes – NSAIDS, dietary management, supplementation, www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
her a while to get up, but once she gets going she gets monoclonal antibody and hyaluronic acid injections, Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
better.” Although this is a normal age-related process that physical therapy and shockwave therapy, offers a
unfortunately most of us can relate to as humans, it often is
a sign of degenerative joint disease, or what is commonly
known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common Treasure Coast Outdoors
yet debilitating condition often leading to pain, stiffness,
and decreased mobility. While conventional treatments
like medication and surgery are widely utilised, a growing Get Involved! If there is something that you want to comment on,
body of evidence suggests that holistic approaches you can take a day trip, or email all of the commissioners
incorporating diet, supplements, physical therapy and By Jim Weix at https://myfwc.com/contact/fwc-office/senior-staff/
shockwave therapy can offer promising avenues for Ever wonder how that commissioners/.
managing OA in our beloved pets. goofy regulation suddenly You can also see who the commissioners are at
Diet plays a pivotal role in the management of OA. A became law? In many https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commissioners/.
balanced diet can help control weight, reducing the strain cases, it was the result In a perfect world, commissioners would be chosen
on joints and slowing the progression of the disease. of the Florida Fish and by the governor based on their vast experience in fish
Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in Wildlife Commission and wildlife management. In the real world, it is based
fish oil, can help decrease inflammation and alleviate (FWC). Sometimes a bad on their campaign contributions. In other words, they
joint pain. Supplements are another integral component idea got traction because might be clueless. That is where you come in.
of OA management. Glucosamine and chondroitin are nobody spoke up. We are in the South Region, which is comprised of
well-known supplements that support joint health by According to the Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Glades, Hendry, Martin, Palm
promoting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation. commission: “Stakeholder Beach, Collier, Broward, Monroe and Miami-Dade
Additionally, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic input is an important part of the FWC commission counties. See https://myfwc.com/about/inside-fwc/s/.
acid and collagen supplements can provide further support meeting process. Because of this, FWC schedules Although it is tempting to not bother, you should
by improving joint lubrication and mobility. When used commission meetings at different locations across the keep in mind that those opposed to fishing and hunting
in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, these state and offers individuals the opportunity to address do take the time to push their agendas. Florida’s lack
supplements can help alleviate symptoms and improve the commission about issues under consideration. of a badly needed bear hunt is a perfect example.
overall joint function. FWC welcomes participation at these meetings from Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
Ad e q u a n i s a n i n j e c t a b l e p o l ysul f a t e d all stakeholders.” conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is
glycosaminoglycan, which serves not only as a The “stakeholder” they are talking about is you. included in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s
cartilage component used in healing but also as an anti- In some states, it is easy to attend meetings of groups Hall of Fame for helping restore thousands of acres
inflammatory agent. Adequan has numerous beneficial like this, but Florida is a big state, so attending meetings of wetlands. Jim is a broker associate with The Keyes
effects for the arthritis patient, including the inhibition is not always easy. You can get a schedule and planned Company. He can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or by
of harmful enzymes involving joint cartilage destruction, agenda for the meetings at https://myfwc.com/about/ email: jimweix@jimweix.com.
stimulation of cartilage repair and increasing joint commission/commission-meetings/.
lubrication. Adequan is given twice weekly just under

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