Manejo integral de la osteoartritis de cadera en paciente canina geronte

Abstract

Coxofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequently encountered condition in daily veterinary practice that affects canines of all ages and sizes. It is characterized by being a chronic, progressive condition that induces pain, weakness, and functional physical impairment, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life. OA results from hip dysplasia or mechanical trauma. The objective of this case report is to present a severe case of coxofemoral OA and the outcomes of a comprehensive and multimodal conservative treatment approach, founded on three pillars: analgesia, physiotherapy, and chondroprotection. Chondroprotection was attained through the subcutaneous administration of injectable Artrosan. Multimodal analgesia was managed with a combination of meloxicam, tramadol, and gabapentin or pregabalin at low daily doses. Physiotherapy followed a regimen encompassing short and regular walks, swimming, mobility exercises, massages, and hot/cold therapy. Check-ups every 90 days revealed improvements in pain relief, joint range of motion, positive behavioral changes, and a high level of acceptance of the treatments with no pharmacological adverse effects. In conclusion, it is evident that a conservative and multimodal therapeutic approach, with appropriate monitoring and a focus on animal welfare, is the most effective method for restoring the quality of life in geriatric patients suffering from this condition.