Arthritis is common in pets, especially among middle-aged to senior cats and dogs. Arthritis leads to chronic pain and generally diminishes your pet’s quality of life. While arthritis can’t be cured, obtaining pet care services from Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital can help your pet live a normal life.
What is Arthritis?
Cartilage creates a buffer between bones in a joint. Unfortunately, the cartilage can lose resilience due to overuse or injury, diminishing its performance. As a result, bones rub against each other, resulting in pain and stiffness.
There are numerous types of arthritis, but the most common ones are:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common type of arthritis and occurs due to joint damage. The deterioration of the cartilage results in bones rubbing against each other, causing swelling and pain. If you don’t seek treatment, the rubbing of bones results in bone spurs, which compromise mobility and cause severe pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This type of arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the body. When the cartilage is attacked, it erodes, leading to bones rubbing against each other.
Whether your pet is suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, this condition can deteriorate your pet’s quality of life. As such, you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis in pets may not be pronounced in the early stages, but they become more apparent as the condition advances. Common symptoms of arthritis in pets include:
- Limping: When one joint is affected, your pet will favor walking with the remaining unaffected joints, resulting in limping.
- Reduced mobility: Since walking triggers pain in the joints, your pet will spend most of its time resting.
- Inactivity: Arthritic pets suffer from chronic fatigue. Dogs may tire easily after a short walk, and they may spend most of the day sleeping.
- Abnormal grooming: Your pet may spend time chewing or licking the painful joints, resulting in baldness or hair loss around the joints.
- Mood changes: Arthritic pets are easily irritable and may snap or bite back, especially if you touch the painful joints.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, please book an appointment with our animal hospital for treatment.
Treating Arthritis
As mentioned, there is no cure for arthritis, but the condition can be managed to restore your pet to full health. Common treatments for arthritis include:
- Tailor-made exercises
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Dietary supplements to reduce inflammation
- Cold laser therapy
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Surrey
Call Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital today at (604) 536-3131 for more information on our animal care services or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
