Fall is finally here! For many people fall means holidays, family,
football, the changing of the leaves, and cooling temperatures. Unfortunately,
the rain and cooler weather can mean an increase in discomfort for pets
suffering from arthritis. Here at Kaibab Animal Hospital, we take a special interest in geriatric pets and their comfort
and well-being.
Arthritis
affects millions of dogs and cats in the United States. The
most common type of arthritis for both humans and animals is called
osteoarthritis. This is the type that is
related to age and general wear and tear beginning with the cartilage and most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Cartilage
is the firm but flexible connective tissue that is found within the
joints. If the damage of the cartilage progresses
over time, the bones can eventually come into direct contact causing damage to
the bone itself. What may begin as mild
discomfort for the dog over time becomes increasingly painful. This is especially true for animals who are
overweight, as the weight places excess pressure on the bones in the joints and
fat cells increase inflammation.
Pets can’t tell
us when they are uncomfortable so it is important for us to watch them for
certain telltale signs of pain or discomfort. Symptoms of arthritis include,
but are not limited to, a general “slowing down,” pain, limping, loss of
interest in playing or going on walks, sleeping more, difficulty rising,
difficulty going up stairs, and a reluctance to be picked up or touched.
If you are
noticing any of these symptoms in your pet, there are some things can be done to
help them feel more comfortable.
·
Diet
changes – There are prescription diets available that are specifically created
to help stop the progression of arthritis and to help keep pets more
comfortable. Some of these diets can
help with weight loss also.
·
Supplements
– There are supplements available such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega
fatty acids that will help lubricate joints to keep them moving more easily.
·
Medications
– There are many pain and anti-inflammatory medications available that can decrease
your pet’s pain level making it easier for them to get around.
·
Short
frequent exercise – Too much exercise can overwork the joints and make them
more painful but too little exercise can leave your pets stiff and
uncomfortable.
·
Physical
therapy – Several types of physical therapy are available to help keep your pet
moving and get them controlled exercise.
·
Warm
cushy beds – Keeping them off the cold ground and having some padding under
them can help.
·
Make
food and water more accessible – Elevate food and water bowls to shoulder
level, and keep them on lower levels of two story houses.
·
Place
rugs and runners on hard floors – This allows pets to get traction and helps
them navigate through the house more easily.
·
Weight
loss – This should be done through diet and exercise. There are prescription diets and medications
available when normal diet and exercise are not enough.
·
Laser
therapy – Laser therapy helps increase circulation in the treated areas to help
decrease pain and increase mobility.
·
Stem
Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma – These procedures use cells from your pet’s own
body to help stimulate healing and decrease inflammation. This can significantly lessen signs of joint pain
and discomfort.
·
Acupuncture
– This therapy is done by a few vets around town and is believed to decrease inflammation in the the body and help improve circulation.
Dogs and cats are not 'small people,' so you must be careful with
over the counter pain medications.
Remember, some human medications can be toxic to your pet and can cause
harm and/or death. It is important to
not give any human medication or supplements without getting your
veterinarian’s approval first!
Schedule an appointment today if you think your pet might be showing signs of arthritis so that we can formulate a treatment plan of the best options to help them get back to feeling great!
