Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis in pets is a common condition, especially for those who are older. While dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain, arthritis can cause symptoms that are hard to ignore. If you live in Columbus and suspect your cat or dog has arthritis contact your veterinarian at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital.
What is Arthritis?
There are several types of arthritis that can affect dogs and cats. The most common type is osteoarthritis. It typically affects one in five dogs at some point in their lives. As a dog ages, the cartilage surfaces in the joints begin to thin which causes the bones to rub against one another and break down. This results in friction that can cause pain and loss of mobility. While any joint can be affected, the most common locations for arthritis in pets are the hips, elbows, knees, carpal joints, shoulders, hock joints and lower back.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Pets
At first, arthritis may be difficult to detect. It’s not until your dog can no longer mask the pain that you begin to see physical symptoms. Your pet may avoid going up and down stairs, doesn’t play as much as they used to, may tire easily or sleep more. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty jumping
- A noticeable stiff limp immediately after standing
- Weight gain or changes in appetite
- Irritability
- Accidents in the house
Available Treatment
Many of the same treatments that are available for people are available for dogs. There are many medications that can provide some relief, like carprofen and other NSAIDs. Joint supplements containing glucosamine and cortical steroids are other options to help fight inflammation.