Does your pet have arthritis?
Getting older is no fun, but at least for us humans we can have a good old moan to our family and friends about it. Our poor pets can’t communicate this with us about getting old, mainly because they’re not really aware this is happening to them, or what getting old is … that’s where you, their caring owner, can step in and make them as comfortable as possible during their later years.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis affects cats and dogs in the same way it affects us humans. Their joints can become inflamed as they get older which in turn restricts movement and can be painful. This can cause cartilage wear, in turn leading to the bones rubbing together; Ouch! The cartilage protects the ends of the bones and if this wears through the resulting bone-on-bone contact can be extremely painful.
Any pet can get arthritis, but it’s more commonly seen in older pets and those who are carrying too much weight; basically where extra pressure is placed on the joints.
The symptoms
You may notice that your dog is noticeably stiff – their movements may appear slow and stilted, particularly when they’ve been resting or sleeping and then trying to get up. They may even show a limp. Cats, however, are less likely to do this and their symptoms will be more evident in their mood and behaviour. Because of the strain of movement, they may be less likely to move around as much and spend more time sleeping.
A general lack of movement in in our pets can lead to loss of appetite or weight gain – this can make the problem worse due to the increased weight putting extra pressure on the joints. Your pet may also appear restless or even depressed as they can’t seem to get comfortable when lying down.
The outlook
Unfortunately arthritis is a permanent condition that usually progresses as the pet gets older, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can be done.
If you think your pet might be suffering with arthritis, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your vet. They will then be able to investigate further and put together a treatment plan for your pet.
The most common remedies are anti-inflammatories and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By managing the condition with the help of your vet, you can keep your pet as comfortable as possible, eg making their beds soft, warm and cosy, keeping them at a healthy weight (weight control is the cheapest and healthiest way of helping this condition) and again your vet will be able to help you with this.
Our best advice is to keep an eye on your pets during these colder months and if you have any concerns at all, get in touch with your vet for an appointment.
