What You Need to Know About Pet Arthritis

Arthritis is a known condition that affects pets as well as their owners alike. One aspect that is not known is the fact that the cause of arthritis in pets is different from that in people. Arthritis found in people is usually accompanied with old age, when not in conjunction with another condition. This is a rare instance with pets.

There are at least 14 different types of arthritis found in pets. It is caused most often by a degenerative disease; it may be developmental or can come by way of direct injury, such as a torn ligament. It is true that older dogs tend to have arthritis more than younger dogs, but that can be attributed to the fact that older dogs have had more opportunity to sustain an injury, due to their years as opposed to the younger one.

Even though arthritis occurs in all pets, it is also prevalent in large dogs more often that their smaller counterparts or cats. The reason being is the level of severity of the arthritis condition is directly related to the weight of the animal which put additional stress on the joints. In addition, the most common types of arthritis found in pets are associated with the hip, and with other bone problems. These are usually scenarios that would be found in large, fast-growing dogs.

The joints are comprised of soft connective tissue and cartilage. Their purpose is to be a go between for the bones and provide that area of comfort that allows free motion of the other connected bones. Arthritis appears when there is inflammation of that tissue which leads to a degeneration of the cartilage. This becomes visible in the pet through limping and refusal to put weight on that limb.

There are some signs that may indicate the onset of pet arthritis. It may take your pet a little longer to get up in the morning, or your cat may not jump as high as it used to. They may struggle and have more difficulty moving which may become more difficult for you to experience as you and they realize that they are in pain whenever they walk, or jump. Other signs may include:

• Favoring a limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more
• Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
• Weight gain
• Being less alert
• Decreased activity or less interested in play

The use of medication has proven to be a successful method in allowing pets to live a pain free life. In the case of inflamed tissues associated with the pet, there may be a need for cage confinement for a short period of time along with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. When the inflammation subsides, exercise and weight control can be incorporated to build back up that joint mobility and muscle strength.

It is important to remember if anti-inflammatory drugs are a part of the medical regimen, that drugs only be prescribed by veterinarian are utilized. Any side effects must be reported to the vet immediately. Do not use anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for human use. The metabolism of a pet versus that of a human is very different. What can be taken safely by a human; can prove to be toxic for a pet. There are natural homeopathic remedies that can be used by your pet with no harmful side effects and can be taken orally. Your best course of action is to consult your veterinarian before beginning any type of pet arthritis regimen. No matter which course of action you select to alleviate your pet’s arthritis, make sure you discuss the situation with a professional to assure the safest and pain free way to get your pet active again and enjoying life!