Arthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that is particularly common in large breed dogs, cats and senior dogs. If you notice that your pet is less active than before or seems to have difficulty with physical activities such as running or climbing stairs, it may be due to osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in pets?

Cats and dogs suffering from osteoarthritis can display the following symptoms:

• Limping
• Stiff gait
• Lower energy level
• Excessive grooming of joints
• Difficulty moving, going up or down stairs, lying down or sitting.

Can osteoarthritis be treated?

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis (or arthritis) is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. There are, however, things we can do to relieve the discomfort and pain experienced by cats and dogs who have the disease. For example, there are specialized foods and medications that help reduce discomfort. Call us to learn more about the various arthritis treatments available.

Is it possible to prevent arthritis in cats and dogs?

Some animals will be predisposed to arthritis since the disease can sometimes be due to genetic factors. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can make a difference, since being overweight is bad for joints.