Pet Arthritis | Arthritis Medicine For Dogs & Cats

Arthritis Medicine For Dogs & Cats


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What is Pet Arthritis?

There are several types of Pet Arthritis with Osteoarthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease, DJD) is where the cartilage surrounding the joint deteriorates. As the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away, the bones start rubbing against each other and calcium deposits start to form on the ends of the bones, causing pain, discomfort and limiting the range of motion of the joints.

Most elderly dogs and cats suffer from Osteoarthritis to some degree. Osteoarthritis can occur anywhere there is a joint, although it is most common in the weight-bearing joints like the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, and ankles.Arthritis usually develops slowly over time and may not be noticeable until there is considerable damage to the cartilage.

As pet owners we need to be in tune with our pets and notice any subtle changes in their behavior. Changes like increased weight gain and sleep or a change in attitude or alertness and less interest in playing. These may be early indicators of joint discomfort from arthritis.

Other common signs of joint pain in your pet include:

Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, or jump
Slowness of movement
Lagging behind on walks
Difficulty rising from a resting position
Joint swelling and stiffness
Yelping or meowing in pain when touched
Favoring of a limb
Limping
Lameness
Muscle atrophy

If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from a form of arthritis, take your pet to your Veterinarian. Arthritis symptoms are similar to other diseases so it is important to have a veterinarian see your pet and have him/her correctly diagnosed.

Here are a few ideas to make life a little easier for your pet if he/she is suffering from arthritis:

Keep litter boxes and food and water dishes at a comfortable height making them easily accessible
Provide your pet a padded surface to cushion your pet's joints in a warm, draft-free spot while he/she sits and sleeps
Make slippery surfaces like wood or linoleum floors safer with non-skid runners
Make sure your cat's litter box entry isn’t too high or difficult to get into.
Ramps can help pets make it up and down stairs, on and off the porch, on and off the couch, and anywhere else where the jump may be too far for their sore joints.
Groom your pet regularly as they lose flexibility in their joints, they can't reach around to scratch or groom themselves the way they used to.

A little exercise can go a long way toward making your pet more comfortable as well. Light activity helps strengthen muscles, keeps ligaments and tendons flexible, prevents obesity and helps blood circulate to stiff joints. As you play with your pet watch, for signs of exhaustion or pain, and stop the activity if you notice any discomfort. Your pet will also benefit from a healthy diet and weight management.

Talk to your veterinarians he or she will know which pet arthritis treatment or combination of treatments is best for your pet's individual needs.

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This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian.
This information is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.