Rama Rama; [meaning crazy mad in indigenous]

 

Rama is a dingo/ red heeler mix who was abandoned in Fitzroy Crossing Western Australia in January 2004 when he was about 2 years old. At the time he was skinny, mal-nourished, covered in fleas and ticks and looked shocking but he had that cheeky glint in his eyes. As there was no vet in Fitzroy Crossing at the time I had to take action. He had many baths over the next few weeks which he hated, every one of them. He was also put on a luxurious diet of scotch fillet and rump so he could gain strength and put on muscle.

 

After Rama was looking healthy and happy, we were originally going to keep him as a guard dog which soon changed as baiting began in the area. It was at this time Rama was moved to our residential address and became a lifetime friend.

 

A little about Rama:

• He howls more than he barks.

• He is a great mate

• Always smiling and loves to meet new people and other dogs.

• He still has all his bits even though it is not recommended but he is pretty happy about that.

• As he has gotten older he is obviously getting whiter and nobler.

• Rama does not eat “dog food”. He prefers scotch fillet medium rare, love fish, Mexican and Indian dishes because he is a chilli head and needs his fix.

• He does get dog biscuits for his veggie fix though.

• He will not swim in the ocean or swimming pool, hates the garden hose especially bath time and will only swim in fresh water rivers.

• Now days he sleeps 80% of the time in air-conditioned comfort.

• Rama has osteoarthritis which began 5 years ago.

 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common senior disease process that occurs within the joints causing them to have less cushioning and lubrication, a decreased range of movement and are a source of ongoing inflammation and pain.  Early intervention is the key to successful management of canine osteoarthritis, and quality of life can be markedly improved as a reduction in pain allows mobility and muscle mass to be maintained. Numerous treatments are available to aid in early osteoarthritis prevention and pain management such as cartrophen injections, anti-inflammatories and mobility diets with supplements.

 

Cartrophen is an injectable medication that helps to improve cartilage quality, increase joint fluid production, increase blood flow to joints and decrease cartilage destruction.  Cartrophen also provides some anti-inflammatory activity to reduce pain.  An initial course of four injections, each given 7 days apart, is recommended to begin the treatment.  Following that, single injections are given quarterly for maintenance depending on the severity of your pet’s condition and their response to treatment. Rama’s owner reports obvious improvement 2 days after his injections.