Arthritis in Pets and What You Need to Know

As our pets get older, they can develop a number of diseases and health problems. Osteoarthritis is just one of these. Much like arthritis in humans, arthritis in pets is characterised by the same symptoms. The only difference is that our pets are unable to tell us when they are in pain or have started developing stiff joints. This is why it is so important for pet owners to be on the lookout for signs of arthritis once their pet reaches a certain age so they can help provide their furry friend as much relief from the pain as possible.

While osteoarthritis mostly affects older animals, its progression can also be sped up by other factors such as injury, infection, immunodeficiencies and some forms of cancer. Arthritis that occurs due to age is known as primary arthritis, whereas arthritis that occurs due to an external event is known as secondary arthritis.

It is estimated that one in five dogs in Australia suffers from some form of arthritis, whereas for cats, the ratio is much higher at nine out of ten cats over the age of 12. But while osteoarthritis is much more common in cats, the symptoms are less obvious, which is why many cases go undiagnosed. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your pet enjoys a happy, healthy life for as long as possible, so here are a few things you need to know about arthritis in animals to give your pet the best care:

Genetic Predisposition

Some breeds of both cats and dogs may have a greater predisposition to arthritis. Here are some of them:

Dogs: Larger dogs such as golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, german shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Bloodhounds, Sheepdogs, Samoyeds, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Bulldogs and Pitbulls and Great Danes.

Cats: Maine Coons, Persians, Siamese, Himalayan, Scottish Folds, Burmese, Abyssinians, Bengal Cats, Munchkins and Ragdolls.

The Role of Weight

While there is no evidence that being overweight causes arthritis, it may worsen a pre-existing condition. The more pressure and force is applied to the joints, the more wear and tear they experience and the faster they break down. But while excess weight does not cause arthritis, managing your pet’s weight can help reduce pain for them.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

Some common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Reluctance to jump up to high spaces they previously loved

• Difficulty getting up and down stairs

• Stiffness when moving, getting down from high places or getting up after a nap

• Slow gait

• Dragging back legs

• Reluctance to groom in cats

• Lack of interest in walks, exercise and playtime

• Limping

• Yelping when touched

• Changes in behaviour

Managing Arthritis in Pets

The very first step to take when you first start noticing signs of arthritis in your pet is scheduling a visit with a Brunswick vet. Not only can the vet diagnose the condition using a series of clinical tests, including X-rays and radiographs, they will also help you come up with a plan to manage the arthritis.

Unfortunately, arthritis is untreatable and irreversible, but its progression can be slowed down and the pain can be reduced using some targeted techniques. Here are some of them:

Weight management

As mentioned previously, keeping your pet’s weight at an optimum number is the best chance at slowing the progression of arthritis. Overweight animals will put more pressure on their joints, causing them to get inflamed and wear down. A vet can help you come up with a diet plan to help your pet lose weight slowly without compromising on their nutrient intake.

Exercise management

Pets with arthritis may show a reluctance towards exercise and walks due to the pain in their joints. But regular exercise is very important to keep joints from stiffening up and to keep them moving. Low-intensity workouts such as leash walking, swimming is recommended, whereas high-intensity exercises such as running and fetching will have to be eliminated from the pet’s routine.

Environment changes

For cats, they may not be able to jump up high anymore, which is why all of their resting places, litter boxes and feeding bowls should be placed close to the floor. You may also want to place steps or ramps near higher places that your cat loves so it doesn’t have to be deprived of them.

Similarly, the same can be done for dogs. Also, make sure that your pet’s resting places have plenty of blankets and are kept away from cold places, as cold drafts can make joints stiffen up, causing pain.

Veterinary treatments

Several medications are available today to help manage the pain associated with arthritis. From non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs and nutraceuticals, your vet may prescribe medication depending upon a number of factors, including the age of the animal, severity of symptoms, disease progression and other underlying health problems. They may also suggest physiotherapy or surgery.

Regardless of how old your pet is, if you see any signs of arthritis in your pet, it is important to immediately take them to a Brunswick vet. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of managing it before it gets any worse.

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