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)
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.
