Arthritis

In the cooler months arthritis can cause our pets significant pain and debilitation. Just like us, our dogs and cats get degenerative changes in their joints as they age but unlike us their suffering often goes unnoticed. Pets over the age of 6 years often have arthritis present in hips, shoulders, knees, elbows and spines. This can be readily seen on an X-ray but symptoms can also be seen clinically if we look for them.

Why do pets get arthritis?

The most common reason for arthritis is general wear and tear from ageing but there are other important risk factors to know about. If your pet has every sustained an injury or had an operation to one of his/her joints then they are at high risk of ongoing joint pain. Overweight animals are at high risk of developing joint pain by overloading their joints and damaging cartilage. Arthritis is much more common in certain breeds including hip arthritis in Labradors and German Shepherds, knee arthritis in Pugs, Bulldogs and spinal arthritis in Dachshunds.

How can I tell if my pet is suffering from arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritic pain are slow and insidious in their onset. Often it starts with a reluctance to engage in activity, lethargy and increased sleeping. As it develops animals will have stiffness and pain on starting activity, this is often seen as difficulty rising from a laying position, trouble with stairs or limping. If severe pain is present dogs will pant, whine or yelp or lick at affected joints while cats will hide, over groom and seek out warm areas for comfort. On palpation of the affected joint it may be warm swollen or have a cracking/crunching feeling on flexion or extension.

How can arthritis be treated?

There are many treatments available for both prevention and management of arthritis. Weight loss is essential in managing joint pain, 5-10% reduction in weight improves pain, demeanor and extends the life of your pet. We recommend Hills science diet R/D for initial loss the W/D for maintenance. Staff are happy to arrange a free diet plan and regular weekly weigh ins for difficult cases. There are supplements available to prevent arthritis developing. These include Seaflex, joint guard, Sashas blend or J/D hills food. All these products contain Glucosamine, Chondroitin and fish oils shown to improve and maintain joint health.

If significant pain is present on examination then a course of 4 weekly injections of a medication called Synovan can improve joint fluid production and stimulate cartilage growth. These may be administered every 6 months if required. Finally if pain is still present anti-inflammatory medications in syrup or tablet form is available. There is a new medication which can provide 1 month worth of pain relief in 1 single dose! Making pain relief simple for your pet.

If you are at all concerned about you pet’s joint health please come in for a consultation with one of our friendly vets to discuss what is best for you and your pet.