Keeping your pet with arthritis comfortable

 

          

We see it all the time, pets who come to visit for a wellness visit, grooming, or an illness and their owner mentions off hand that their pet is slower in their old age. Maybe they don't jump into the car or onto the bed like they used to do, maybe they seem sensitive or even upset when you are trying to trim their nails or brush their fur. Sometimes a pet owner will even say that their pet is "grumpy" or aggressive now that he or she is getting older. These are all signs that your pet may be suffering from joint pain. 

 

What Are The First Signs Of Arthritis That I Will See In My Pet ?

  The telltale sign of arthritis in older pets is a reluctance to move about. As your pet’s joints age, they may become reluctant to run, play, or jump. On rising in the morning, you pet may be stiff or even limping. These changes almost always come on very gradually. It is easy to ignore or not notice them at first. Slowing down isn't only related to your pet's joints.

As pets guard their sore joints, muscles and ligaments contract decreasing the joint’s range of motion. You may notice that your pet no longer jumps up on sofas and chairs as it once did. One common symptom of age-related arthritis is that joints tend to be stiffer and more painful after periods of rest and that pain tends to work out during the day. By evening, your pet may be its old self again. Some pets may also have a decrease in muscle due to lack of use.

Arthritis problems tend to be worse in overweight pets. Some of their panting after a long walk can be due to arthritis pain and not just the overheating and out-of-shape problems that obesity produce. Cold days and dampness tend to make the problem worse as well.

Are There Things I can Do To help with Arthritis pain In My Pet?

Age is not a disease, but senior pets do need some special care. There are many things we can do to help keep senior pets happy and comfortable.

Diet And Nutrition

What your pet eats and how much it eats throughout its life will affect arthritis in its later years. If your pet is overweight, reducing its weight, slowly, to a healthy level is one of the most important things you can do to reduce its discomfort.

Exercise

A moderate amount of daily exercise, like taking walks and interactive play-time, is thought to delay arthritis. Moderate exercise will help your senior pet maintain muscle mass and keep joints mobile.

Good Nail And Foot Care

Its important that you keep your pets toenails clipped properly so its normal walking and running gait is not distorted. Overgrown nails can place abnormal stress on the joints and ligaments of the feet.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy can significantly reduce the debilitating joint inflammation that accompanies arthritis and improves circulation in damaged joints.  We can even come to your home for your pet's laser therapy sessions.

Extra Padding For Comfort and Traction

  Your pets balance and coordination are not what they once were. Older dogs have better traction on carpet or rugs. Providing throw rugs for walking on slippery floor surfaces will help your pet walk more confidently.  

Ramps

  Wood ramps, covered with carpet are a real help for pets that can no longer climb stairs, get into bed, or into the car. Just be sure they are stable. Make the slope as gentle as possible.

Medications:

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)(Carprofen, Meloxicam, dericoxib, etc)

  NSAID’s reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis patients. All pets receiving any NSAIDs should have a blood chemistry and complete blood count run prior to beginning the medication so your veterinarian will have a reference point to refer to if drug issues or side effects develop later. (It is safest to have those same tests repeated every six months to monitor how your pet is handling the medication)

Glucosamine / Chondroitin Products :

Supports joint health by facilitating maintenance of cartilage and helping to restore lubricant in the joint fluid. 

Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)

Helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and supports the repair of damaged cartilage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Cold-water fish oils are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. They appear to be helpful in reducing many forms of inflammation – joint inflammation included.

Narcotics and other medications for pain

There are narcotic and nerve pain medication that can be used alone or as an addition to NSAIDs when they alone are no longer sufficient to give your pet relief.  

Please call us to have your pet evaluated for their arthritis symptoms or if you would like to discuss how the above therapies can help your pet lead a long and comfortable life.