Aches and pains aren’t always caused by your pet entering their golden years. Arthritis can create inflammation in their joints, caused by the deterioration of the protective cartilage. Though we can’t cure the disease, we can create a treatment plan that slows its progression by focusing on pain management.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a joint disease that worsens over time, especially if left untreated. The cartilage protecting your pet’s joints becomes damaged, which means there’s nothing to protect their bones from rubbing against each other. This creates friction, causing pain and limited mobility in the most affected areas, including your pet’s lower hips, wrists, knees, and elbows.
Are my pet’s mobility issues caused by arthritis?
We encourage you to book an appointment at 613-258-5745 for our veterinary team to diagnose your pet’s condition. There are some tell-tale signs that your pet could have arthritis in addition to mobility issues, including limping, stiffness, lameness, loss of appetite, sleeping more, or avoiding physical activity. In addition to a physical exam, your pet’s medical history, age, and X-rays help us to diagnose the disease. A few things make your pet more likely to develop arthritis, including genetics, unhealed injuries, obesity, and other health issues.
How can I heal my pet’s arthritis?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis, but we can create a treatment plan to help manage any pain or discomfort your pet could be feeling. We’ll determine which options are best depending on your pet’s condition, including how quickly their condition is deteriorating. Some approaches we’ll recommend include:
- Weight management
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Surgery
- Anti-inflammatory medications
