Arthritis in cats and dogs causes the pet’s joints to become inflamed. Though arthritis in pets is rare, large dogs are more prone to developing arthritis than cats are smaller dogs.
Arthritis is more debilitating in larger pets. While arthritis in a small dog or cat may not cause much disability, the impairment can be significant for a large dog.
Arthritis can develop if the cartilage or soft tissue of the joints has become damaged or worn. Because the joints can wear with age, older pets are at greater risk of developing arthritis than younger pets.
Cats and dogs may develop arthritis due to a traumatic injury to the joint. A pet with arthritis may limp or try to avoid putting weight on the affected joints.
The pain caused by arthritis is typically managed through medication. The veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief.
To help reduce pain and improve mobility, the pet should be adding an ideal weight and get regular exercise. The veterinarian may recommend a specific level of exercise and a low-fat or weight management diet if the pet is overweight.
In severe cases of dog and cat arthritis, surgery may be recommended. Surgery can be used to clean torn cartilage or debris from the joint, fuse a joint, or do a joint replacement.
Accommodations in the home can help make the pet with arthritis more comfortable. The pet owner may want to provide an arthritic pet with a thick, well padded pet bed.
Anti-inflammatory medication made for human consumption should never be given to a pet with arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications for humans can be lethal for pets.
Some supplements such as glycosamine, chondroitan, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are used by pet owners to help arthitic pets. The use of polysulfated glycosaminoglycans for pet arthritis has been at least partially proven by medical research.
Other alternative treatments are marketed as beneficial for pet arthritis. A pet owner should consult the veterinarian before giving supplements or medication to the pet. Magnetic pet collars are another form of alternative treatment for pet arthritis.
Tags: cats, ragdollcats, pets, catcare
