Arthritis Management for your Beloved Companion
Arthritis is a prevalent condition that affects 20% of adult dogs and a significant 80% of geriatric dogs. However, even younger dogs can be affected if certain predisposing factors are present. Arthritis can also be observed in geriatric cats and rabbits.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that predominantly affects common joints such as shoulders, knees, hips, and elbows. The erosion of cartilage that lines and cushions these joints exposes the bone ends, leading to painful bone spurs. Additionally, the joint lining becomes inflamed and thickened, resulting in reduced mobility.
Arthritis is commonly associated with aging, also known as osteoarthritis, and it is prevalent in both dogs and cats. If you notice that your pet is showing reluctance to play, excercise, yelping or hissing when touched, or experiencing increased difficulty climbing stairs, it may be suffering from arthritis.
Is arthritis common in younger or older pets?
Arthritis in Dogs:
Arthritis is more commonly observed in older dogs, as it is the result of daily wear and tear on their joints over time. The deterioration of cartilage and loss of lubricating properties in the synovial fluid lead to inflammation and friction between bones, causing discomfort and reduced mobility.
While arthritis is more prevalent in older dogs, it is not unheard of to see symptoms in dogs as young as six or seven years old. In such cases, various secondary factors like ligament damage, poor nutrition, age, overweight, or immune diseases may contribute to the progression of the disease. At Evervet, we provide comprehensive care and support to both young and senior dogs experiencing arthritis, tailoring our treatment plans to meet their unique needs.
Arthritis in Cats:
Is Arthritis Common in Younger or Older Cats?
Arthritis is more commonly observed in older cats, particularly those in their senior years. As cats age, the wear and tear on their joints increases, making them more susceptible to developing arthritis.
However, arthritis can also affect younger cats, especially if certain predisposing factors are present. These factors may include previous injuries, genetic predisposition, or certain medical conditions. At EverVet, we understand the unique needs of cats and offer expert care for feline arthritis, providing support and treatment options for cats of all ages to ensure their well-being and comfort.
Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to developing arthritis?
While we cannot say that certain breeds are predisposed to developing arthritis, it is more commonly seen in larger dog breeds. Overweight animals, regardless of their breed, are more likely to experience localized inflammation and joint irritation due to the increased weight they carry on their joints. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy weight for all breeds to reduce the risk of arthritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis can manifest in various ways, and the signs may not always be obvious. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs include:
Can you see visible signs of arthritic swelling?
While visible swelling may not always be evident, we often observe degenerative muscle wastage due to the affected leg's reduced use. This can lead to signs of limping and overall muscle mass loss, particularly over the spine and affected areas. Osteoarthritis commonly affects areas such as the hips, knee joints, shoulders, and elbows, and the condition tends to worsen over time, degrading the cartilage between the joints and the carpal joint in the front leg. It is not uncommon for dogs to experience pain along the spinal column as a result of the body compensating for areas of weakness.
Arthritis Prevention
Preventing arthritis in dogs:
Prevention plays a vital role in managing arthritis. Maintaining an active lifestyle and a lean body weight are essential for promoting healthy joints. Following a prescription diet, such as Hills or Royal Canin, ensures your dog receives quality ingredients like omega-three fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and vital supplements that improve cartilage quality and reduce painful inflammation.
Preventing arthritis in cats:
Preventing arthritis in cats involves maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress and incorporating regular exercise to keep their muscles strong and joints flexible. Avoiding high-impact activities and providing joint supplements, as recommended by a veterinarian, can also support their joint health. Creating a comfortable environment with easily accessible resting spots and litter boxes helps reduce joint strain. Regular veterinary check-ups enable early detection and monitoring of any joint issues. By taking these preventive measures, we can improve our feline friends' chances of enjoying a healthy, active life without the burden of arthritis.
If you suspect your pet may be showing signs of osteoarthritis, it is important to have your veterinarian conduct a physical examination to assess their range of motion. Your veterinarian may also recommend X-rays of the affected joints to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as cruciate ligament damage or patella luxation. Early treatment and stabilisation of joints can slow the degenerative progression and prevent further joint damage. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove bone or cartilage particles floating in the joint cavity, causing significant pain and inflammation.
Arthritis Management and Treatment
Managing arthritis in dogs involves a multi-modal approach to ensure they continue to lead a good quality life:
Medication and Supplements
As mentioned earlier, we offer a range of medications and supplements to aid in arthritis treatment. Some of the notable ones include:
Arthritis is a chronic, progressive condition, and while there is no cure, the combination of treatment options mentioned above helps manage the disease and improve your pet's comfort and quality of life.
At Ripponlea Vet Hospital, we take a complete approach to treating arthritis in dogs, ensuring the best possible care for our pooch patients. If you suspect your dog may be experiencing arthritis symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our compassionate team is here to support you and your furry companion through every step of their journey. Contact us today on 0384888889 or book an appointment. Together, we can make a difference in your pet's life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that predominantly affects common joints such as shoulders, knees, hips, and elbows. The erosion of cartilage that lines and cushions these joints exposes the bone ends, leading to painful bone spurs. Additionally, the joint lining becomes inflamed and thickened, resulting in reduced mobility.
Arthritis is commonly associated with aging, also known as osteoarthritis, and it is prevalent in both dogs and cats. If you notice that your pet is showing reluctance to play, excercise, yelping or hissing when touched, or experiencing increased difficulty climbing stairs, it may be suffering from arthritis.
Is arthritis common in younger or older pets?
Arthritis in Dogs:
Arthritis is more commonly observed in older dogs, as it is the result of daily wear and tear on their joints over time. The deterioration of cartilage and loss of lubricating properties in the synovial fluid lead to inflammation and friction between bones, causing discomfort and reduced mobility.
While arthritis is more prevalent in older dogs, it is not unheard of to see symptoms in dogs as young as six or seven years old. In such cases, various secondary factors like ligament damage, poor nutrition, age, overweight, or immune diseases may contribute to the progression of the disease. At Evervet, we provide comprehensive care and support to both young and senior dogs experiencing arthritis, tailoring our treatment plans to meet their unique needs.
Arthritis in Cats:
Is Arthritis Common in Younger or Older Cats?
Arthritis is more commonly observed in older cats, particularly those in their senior years. As cats age, the wear and tear on their joints increases, making them more susceptible to developing arthritis.
However, arthritis can also affect younger cats, especially if certain predisposing factors are present. These factors may include previous injuries, genetic predisposition, or certain medical conditions. At EverVet, we understand the unique needs of cats and offer expert care for feline arthritis, providing support and treatment options for cats of all ages to ensure their well-being and comfort.
Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to developing arthritis?
While we cannot say that certain breeds are predisposed to developing arthritis, it is more commonly seen in larger dog breeds. Overweight animals, regardless of their breed, are more likely to experience localized inflammation and joint irritation due to the increased weight they carry on their joints. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy weight for all breeds to reduce the risk of arthritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis can manifest in various ways, and the signs may not always be obvious. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs include:
- Lameness or Limping: Your pet may show signs of lameness or limp, especially after physical activity.
- Stiffness: Pets with arthritis may experience stiffness, especially when they first wake up or after resting.
- Reluctance to Jump or Climb: Arthritis can make it challenging for pets to jump onto furniture or climb stairs.
- Decreased Activity: Pets with arthritis may become less active and show a decline in interest in play and exercise.
- Change in Behaviour: Arthritic pets may display changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability or sensitivity when touched.
Can you see visible signs of arthritic swelling?
While visible swelling may not always be evident, we often observe degenerative muscle wastage due to the affected leg's reduced use. This can lead to signs of limping and overall muscle mass loss, particularly over the spine and affected areas. Osteoarthritis commonly affects areas such as the hips, knee joints, shoulders, and elbows, and the condition tends to worsen over time, degrading the cartilage between the joints and the carpal joint in the front leg. It is not uncommon for dogs to experience pain along the spinal column as a result of the body compensating for areas of weakness.
Arthritis Prevention
Preventing arthritis in dogs:
Prevention plays a vital role in managing arthritis. Maintaining an active lifestyle and a lean body weight are essential for promoting healthy joints. Following a prescription diet, such as Hills or Royal Canin, ensures your dog receives quality ingredients like omega-three fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and vital supplements that improve cartilage quality and reduce painful inflammation.
Preventing arthritis in cats:
Preventing arthritis in cats involves maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress and incorporating regular exercise to keep their muscles strong and joints flexible. Avoiding high-impact activities and providing joint supplements, as recommended by a veterinarian, can also support their joint health. Creating a comfortable environment with easily accessible resting spots and litter boxes helps reduce joint strain. Regular veterinary check-ups enable early detection and monitoring of any joint issues. By taking these preventive measures, we can improve our feline friends' chances of enjoying a healthy, active life without the burden of arthritis.
If you suspect your pet may be showing signs of osteoarthritis, it is important to have your veterinarian conduct a physical examination to assess their range of motion. Your veterinarian may also recommend X-rays of the affected joints to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as cruciate ligament damage or patella luxation. Early treatment and stabilisation of joints can slow the degenerative progression and prevent further joint damage. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove bone or cartilage particles floating in the joint cavity, causing significant pain and inflammation.
Arthritis Management and Treatment
Managing arthritis in dogs involves a multi-modal approach to ensure they continue to lead a good quality life:
- Pain Management: We use safe and effective medications to manage your pet's pain and discomfort.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a lean, healthy body condition is crucial to avoid extra stress on the joints.
- Physical Therapy: Regular, low-impact exercise helps maintain muscles that support the joints. Swimming is an excellent non-weight-bearing exercise that encourages muscle development without putting strain on painful joints.
- Therapeutic Diets: Specific diets like Hills J/d or Metabolic + Mobility are designed to alleviate arthritis symptoms with their combination of essential fatty acids, reducing pain and inflammation, and supporting cartilage health.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: We will guide you in making necessary lifestyle adjustments to accommodate your pet's condition and enhance their comfort.
Medication and Supplements
As mentioned earlier, we offer a range of medications and supplements to aid in arthritis treatment. Some of the notable ones include:
- Beransa for Dogs: Beransa is a newly available monthly injectable medication that helps to reduce joint inflammation, nerve sensitivity and pain. Beransa is a monoclonal antibody targeted specifically towards proteins found within the joints meaning it is a very safe medication with very few side effects.
- Solensia for Cats: Solensia is a cat-specific medication used for managing chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis. It contains robenacoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Always use Solensia under the guidance and prescription of a veterinarian to ensure its safety and effectiveness for your cat's arthritis management.
- Cartrophen: Cartrophen treats joint-related conditions, particularly osteoarthritis and degenerative joint diseases in dogs and cats. The injections consist of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), which aids in diminishing inflammation, supporting cartilage repair, and enhancing joint function. This treatment offers advantages like relieving joint pain, boosting mobility, and enhancing the overall well-being of pets affected by joint problems, proving especially beneficial for younger dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia or after surgery to prevent early-onset arthritis.
- 4cyte: 4CYTE is a joint supplement formulated for dogs and cats to support joint health and mobility. It contains a combination of natural ingredients, including Epiitalis, a patented plant extract, which is believed to promote cartilage repair and reduce joint inflammation. The benefits of 4CYTE include improved joint function, reduced joint pain, and enhanced overall joint health, making it a valuable addition to the management of joint-related conditions in pets.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs): These medications relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. A blood test is recommended before starting NSAIDs, as long-term use can affect liver and kidney function.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): Another pain relief medication that acts differently from NSAIDs and is safer for long-term use in terms of liver and kidney function.
- Nutraceuticals: Supplements like fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine may reduce inflammation and protect the joints. They can be given long-term to aid in management.
- Prescription diets: Prescription diets like Hills, JD, and Royal Canin Mobility are specifically formulated and fortified with omega fatty acids, fish oils, glucosamine, and supplements that protect the joints. While there are numerous homeopathic and home remedies available, the conclusive evidence for their effectiveness, such as turmeric, remains limited.
Arthritis is a chronic, progressive condition, and while there is no cure, the combination of treatment options mentioned above helps manage the disease and improve your pet's comfort and quality of life.
At Ripponlea Vet Hospital, we take a complete approach to treating arthritis in dogs, ensuring the best possible care for our pooch patients. If you suspect your dog may be experiencing arthritis symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our compassionate team is here to support you and your furry companion through every step of their journey. Contact us today on 0384888889 or book an appointment. Together, we can make a difference in your pet's life.
Play is the highest
|
(A. Einstein) |