ARTHRITIS IN DOGS & CATS

ARTHRITIS

in Dogs and Cats

Is your senior pet slowing down? Has he stopped participating in his favorite activities? It may be more than just normal aging. Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints that is very common in senior pets and it can have a big impact on your pet’s quality of life. ➠ By Elizabeth Racine, DVM

CAUSES OF ARTHRITIS

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions a joint or multiple joints becomes weakened or damaged, resulting in pain, inflammation, and degenerative changes. Although arthritis can occur in animals of any age, it is especially common in seniors due to normal changes in cartilage that occur with age.

Other factors that can contribute to the development of arthritis include:

• Being overweight or obese • Abnormal conformation • Previous trauma, such as being hit by a car • Genetics • Previous orthopedic surgery • Poor nutrition

SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS IN PETS

Initially, the symptoms of arthritis can be very subtle. Cats, in particular, tend to hide their pain and will not show symptoms until the disease becomes severe. Early symptoms of arthritis may be vague and intermittent, such as being slower to get up, hesitating before jumping, or stopping play earlier than usual. Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition and the symptoms will worsen over time.

Other symptoms of arthritis can include:

• Stiffness • Short-strided gait • Difficulty using stairs • Reluctance or inability to jump • Difficulty getting up or laying down • Difficulty navigating smooth or slippery floors • Tiring more easily • Resting more • Lameness • Swelling of one or more joints • Irritability • Discomfort or aggression when touched

Many pet owners think that because their pet is not whining or crying he or she is not in pain. However, just as a person with arthritis does not cry all day, your pet may not necessarily cry or vocalize any more than usual either – but they can still be in pain! Dogs and cats can be very stoic and may not show obvious signs of pain, but arthritis can still impact their quality of life. This is why it is so important to see your veterinarian for annual wellness exams, as symptoms of arthritis are often first discovered during the examination.

TREATING ARTHRITIS IN CATS AND DOGS

Arthritis is a chronic progressive condition, which unfortunately means that it will continue to get worse over time. The goal of arthritis treatment is to manage pain, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease to maintain your pet’s quality of life for as long as possible.

The mainstay of arthritis treatment is pain control. Many pets are prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), which can alleviate inflammation in the joints and reduce pain. It is very important to note that human NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not safe for pets! Even baby aspirin or the inappropriately labeled “aspirin for dogs” can cause serious or fatal side effects, so never give your pet any over-the-counter medications unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.

In addition to pain medication, your pet also may be prescribed a joint supplement. Joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can improve lubrication of the joints, help repair damaged cartilage, improve mobility, and slow the progression of arthritis. Joint supplements take several weeks to reach peak efficacy, so your pet will need to take them consistently for several weeks before you will start to see improvement.

Finally, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and laser therapy can also be beneficial for patients with arthritis. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can also help your pet lose weight, build strength and muscle mass, and maintain mobility. If your veterinarian does not offer these services, he or she may be able to recommend a professional in your area or you can search for a certified professional through the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV).

It can be tough to see your pet suffering from arthritis, but the good news is that this is a very treatable condition. With the help of your veterinarian, you can develop a plan for arthritis management that will allow your pet to maintain a good quality of life for years to come.

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In 2009, over 18,500 healthy feral cats were euthanized at the local

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C5 is an all-volunteer organization working to prevent unnecessary euthanasia of healthy feral and free-roaming cats by providing trap, neuter and return (TNR) programs to the community. Trappers work hand in hand with colony caretakers who play an important role in the life of the feral and free-roaming cats by providing food, water, and shelter. Together, we ensure the colony is managed by performing TNR.

TNR is an effective, humane way to reduce cat overpopulation issues. Since January, 2010 C5 has trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their colonies more than 44,000 cats. Once back to the colony, cats live happier, healthier lives without the risk of new kittens adding to the population.

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We are eager to meet you and welcome you to our team! If you are interested in volunteering with C5 or would like more information please send an email to the Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@C5-TNR.org.