Pet Arthritis Problems and Treatments

Last updated 1 month ago

It used to be that domesticated dogs and cats rarely lived long enough to develop pet arthritis. But the move towards keeping animals indoors, spaying or neutering them, as well as improvements in veterinary care, have all led to dogs and cats living much longer lives. This is wonderful because it means that companion animals and their humans get to spend so much more time together, but pet owners do need to have special consideration for aging pets. Arthritis is a particularly common issue for older cats and dogs, so here’s a brief primer on pet arthritis treatments and problems:

How Arthritis Presents in Pets

Pets can develop different types of arthritis, which share similar symptoms including:

Bad temper. Some pets may even begin biting people who try to touch them; this behavior is a pain response, not an indication of your animal’s feelings towards you.
Reluctance to rise from a seated or supine position. It’s harder for animals with arthritis to stand up.
Reduced jumping. This is especially noticeable in cats, although it can show up in dogs, as well—your elderly golden retriever may stop climbing onto the sofa, for instance.

Of course, none of these symptoms automatically spell arthritis; in fact, they can be indicators of cancer, dementia, or low blood potassium. You should therefore always make an appointment with an animal hospital if you notice any of these symptoms.

Arthritis Treatment for Pets

The method of treatment for arthritis in pets depends upon the form of arthritis. Most pets have osteoarthritis, which is related to old age and is largely treated through lifestyle changes. Animals with osteoarthritis may benefit from weight reduction (to take some of the pressure off their joints), and sometimes the condition can be alleviated through surgical methods such as fusing joints. In most cases, however, such drastic measures are not taken; instead, vets prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and recommend treatments such as massage.
Two other, less common forms of pet arthritis include arthritis that is the result of an autoimmune disease or an infection, as well as arthritis that’s triggered by dysplasia of the elbow or hip. The latter form of arthritis is extremely common in some dog breeds, and surgery is possible. Arthritis that stems from an autoimmune disorder or an infection can usually be medicated.

If you suspect that your pet has arthritis, then you’re going to need an excellent animal hospital to manage its care. Fortunately, there’s Island Trees Veterinary Hospital. Located in the Hicksville and Levittown area, Island Trees Veterinary Hospital has a great staff composed of dog vets and veterinarians in other specialties. To learn more, call us at (888) 485-8953 today.