Arthritis in pets

This is an article I wrote for a local magazine and I thought guys might like to read it.

Is winter putting the gyp in their joints?

Thanks to better care, higher quality diets and more advanced veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer and fuller lives than ever before. However, this does mean that our older pets suffer from more problems and one of the most common of these is arthritis. Animals will suffer with sore joints more in the colder weather, just like us, so often the symptoms are more noticeable at this time of year.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a variable condition which can range from your pet being stiff after rest or exercise to crippling joint disease. It can strike at any age but is most common in older pets. It is caused by the smooth surfaces of the joints becoming roughened and inflamed. It can occur in any joint in the body, but is most common in the hips, elbows and stifles (knees)

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis can be subtle in the early stages but include; stiffness after rest or exercise, recurring lameness (limping) in one or more legs, reluctance to jump up or climb the stairs or sore or swollen joints. Older cats suffer from arthritis very commonly, but their symptoms can be difficult to spot as if they are sore, cats will simply move around less. Look out for your cat being quieter or grumpier than normal, changing their sleeping places (especially if they liked to get up high), or being less able to jump and climb. Also keep an eye on their grooming habits; cats with arthritis are often stiff and cannot reach to groom over their backs or hind quarters and can often become dirty and matted.

How is arthritis treated?

There are many different ways to treat arthritis and different things work best in different animals. The first main treatment is Neutraceuticals, these are supplements which help to maintain the joints in as healthy state as possible. They are most helpful in the early stages of the disease, or as an adjunct to medications where they can reduce the doses required. Medications, these are often required in order to keep affected animals as pain free as possible. These are anti-inflammatory pain relievers that reduce both the soreness and the inflammation in the joint. They are generally very safe, can be used over long periods and most pets only need small doses to keep them comfortable. There are other Complementary Treatments which can be used to help. The most common of these are Acupuncture and Hydrotherapy (swimming).

Arthritis is a very common condition and most older pets will suffer to some degree. If the signs are spotted early and treatment started, it can make a real difference to your pet’s quality of life and keeping them pain free and happy in their senior years!