When Veterinary Care Cost Enters the Equation

Veterinary clinics have low-cost options to treat pain and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also commonly referred to as DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease), is most commonly the result of the accumulated wear and tear on the protective cartilage that lines the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints through normal use, genetic predispositions, obesity, ageing and injury to the joints, said Scott A. Krick DVM, technical service veterinarian – Companion Animal, for Norbrook, Inc. “It generally manifests as lameness, difficulty rising from a laying position, reluctance to climb stairs or jump up on objects, decreased activity and sometimes irritable behavior. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that unfortunately often leads to chronic pain.”

Prevalence of arthritis is difficult to pinpoint, Dr. Krick said. Many studies and surveys have examined this issue, and each yields different results dependent on patient selection and methods used. “It is generally accepted that OA is very common in pets, likely affecting > 20% of all dogs and cats over 10 years of age (some studies have demonstrated much higher percentages),” he said.

Norbrook® offers several products that are indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with OA in dogs, including carprofen and meloxicam in various formulations. Norbrook also manufactures these products for several major distributors under their private labels.

When it comes to offering generic products, distributor representatives should emphasize the savings that clinics can pass along to their clients while increasing clinic profits, Dr. Krick said. “The lower prices may help reduce the financial burden pet owners experience with chronic medication, potentially allowing a broader segment of the clinic’s clients to be able to afford their veterinarian’s recommendations for management,” he said. “Dependable, reliable, quality products that benefit the pets, are more affordable to the client, and increase profit to the clinic are sure to create a “win-win-win” situation.”