Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative
joint disease, is a progressive, inflammatory joint disease commonly seen in
middle aged and senior pets. This
painful condition can negatively affect a pet and diminish their quality of
life, but there are many treatment options available to help keep your pet
comfortable, and may even slow the progression of the disease.
Arthritis develops when the joint cartilage, or cushioning
between bones, start to break down and degenerate. It can be a primary or secondary
condition. Primary arthritis is usually
seen in older pets from normal wear and tear on the joints as they age. Secondary arthritis is an effect from another
disease, condition, or joint injury - such as Lyme disease, hip dysplasia, or a
torn ligament in the knee. Some breeds,
like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Maine Coons, may have a genetic
predisposition for developing arthritis.
Pets who are extremely active, such as working or sporting dogs, and
pets who are overweight are also at a higher risk for developing arthritis.
Signs of arthritis can range from very subtle to very
obvious. The earlier the condition is
caught, the more easily it can be treated and the greater the possibility that
the progression can be slowed. This is
why it is so important to consult your veterinarian any time you notice a
behavior change in your pet. Early signs
of arthritis are often written off as normal signs of aging. We often hear, “Max doesn’t want to play
fetch for as long as he used to. He
would really rather just sleep all day, but he is 9 years old and starting to
show his age.” Something we have to
remember - old age is not a disease. Not
wanting to play with a favorite toy, slower to go up steps, or reluctance to
jump on or off furniture could all indicate you pet may be suffering from
arthritis pain. More obvious signs
include joint stiffness, difficulty getting up from laying down, limping or
lameness. Once your pet starts to show
these signs, the disease is usually progressed to a more advanced stage. Since cats tend to be less active than dogs
to begin with and are masters at hiding signs of illness, there may be other
signs that they might show. For example,
they may start to have accidents outside of the litter box because it’s too
difficult or painful for them to jump into the box.
There are measures that can be taken to prevent
arthritis. If you have a pet that is
known to have a higher risk for arthritis, starting joint supplements when they
are young, before the development of arthritis begins, can be extremely
helpful. Glucosamine supplements help to
keep joints lubricated, have anti-inflammatory benefits, and help to repair
damaged cartilage. Fish oils are another
natural anti-inflammatory and have been shown to help relieve arthritis pain. These nutritional supplements are safe, with
no side effects, and can delay the development and progression of
arthritis. Another important factor is
keeping your pet at a healthy weight.
Over 50% of the pet population is overweight or obese, and 95% of those
pet owners do not believe their pet is an unhealthy weight. Exams with their veterinarian at least once a
year are important to monitor changes in weight and body condition. There are statistics from studies proving
that pets who are kept lean need less medication to control arthritis pain, and
do not need to start pain management as early as their heavier
counterparts. Regular exercise also
helps keep joints flexible and maintain range of motion.
Most of the time, early arthritis can be managed with joint
supplements and natural anti-inflammatories, such as fish oils. These supplements are safe to use long term
and do not carry the side effects associated with the pharmaceuticals used to
treat arthritis pain. The progression of
arthritis can be slowed, but not completely stopped. Therefore, at some point, a pain medication
needs to be added in order to adequately control your pet’s discomfort. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) provide pain relief by reducing the inflammation in their joints. Human
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol) are NOT safe to give to animals. They have unique metabolisms and these
medications can cause GI ulcers and bleeding, liver problems, and kidney
problems. There are NSAIDs specifically
developed for cats and dogs that are much safer than human medications, but
still carry risks of some side effects.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence, though rare, can occur. If these signs are seen, the medication
should be stopped and switching to another brand should be considered. Since these medications are metabolized by
the liver and excreted by the kidneys, these internal organs can also be
affected. Routine blood work (every 6
months) is required to closely monitor that these organs are functioning
properly. More potent, opioid-like pain
medications can be added in conjunction with joint supplements and NSAIDs for
severely painful patients. Some pets
with arthritis only need to take pain medication if they have an active day,
while others will need daily medication to keep them comfortable.
Cold, rainy weather can aggravate arthritis pain, so it is
import to provide your pet with a warm, comfortable bed to rest in. Pet steps or ramps to help them get up on
furniture or into the car can also be helpful.
It is important to keep them active, but know their limitations. There
are also alternative remedies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, stem cell
therapy, laser therapy, massage) that are now being studied more closely and
may help to provide relief.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many options
to keep arthritic pets comfortable.
Living pain free is important for your pet’s well-being and quality of
life. You may not realize how much pain
your pet was in until after you see how much more active and younger they seem
once treatment is started. As always, if
you notice any changes in your pet’s attitude, activity, or behavior, even if
it may seem like it’s not worth mentioning, please don’t hesitate to at least
give us a call and ask if it is something that the veterinarian should check
out. Your pet will appreciate it.
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