Arthritis in Pets

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints in the body. This causes the joints to deteriorate and damages the body mobility of the pet. Pets especially cats and dogs are expert at hiding the joint pain. This leads to slow progression of the disease for a time after which the symptoms are visible to the pet-owners. Pet owners and veterinarians rarely notice the early signs of arthritis because pets have the character to ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed significantly.

How to recognize the symptoms of arthritis?

• Limping
• Decreased mobility
• Spinal problems
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Irritation
• Chewing and biting
• Swollen joints

Why this degeneration does occur in the joints?

Generally, arthritis is a commonly observed issue in older pets, but in some cases, the condition can develop at an earlier stage. The causes vary with different breeds and circumstances. Mostly, the inflammation is due to the abnormal rubbing of joints or wear and tear due to joint instability like after a ligament has been damaged. It may also be because of the abnormal cartilage development or a result of an accident or trauma. The numerous reasons can lead to an early onset of the arthritis in the pets.

Arthritis can also develop due to defect in the bone structure of the pets since the birth, which is common in breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds.

Management of Arthritis in Pets

If you have the slightest doubt that your pet has joint problems or any symptom that point towards arthritis, consult a vet. Knowing that your pet has an illness won’t take care of itself. Being a pet parent, you must know how to manage a situation when your pet is suffering from arthritis.

Weight Management

Treating an over-weight dog is always a problematic situation for the vets. Proper maintenance of the weight ensures that the extra pounds won’t affect the inflammation in the joints causing irritation. The more the weight of the pet, the more it will pressurize the inflamed joints, thus causing the progression of the disease at an instant rate.

Exercise

Exercising the pet according to their age, improves the mobility and muscle movements. This would limit the wear and tear of the joints in the pet. But, the exercise should be done in accordance with the current status of arthritis in the pets. If the pet is currently having a sore and inflamed joint then making him exercise or walk for longer durations may increase the issue rather than diminishing it.

Therapy

Massage and physical therapy is a recommended option by the vet. The therapy helps in loosening the stiff muscles and refines the mobility of the pets. Start slowly and pet around the area, which need therapy and build trust to start.