Arthritis (or osteoarthritis) is a painful condition that can definitely effect the quality of life of a pet. Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint is usually painful and is accompanied by joint swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis may be caused by infection, trauma, but most commonly by degenerative changes. Most people associate arthritis with older large breed dogs, but, even small dogs and cats can have arthritis.
While a dog with arthritis is pretty obvious, they walk stiffly and slowly, become resistant to jump up on the couch, cats with arthritis may not be so easily recognized. When cats have arthritis, they seem less active. If the arthritis is painful, they may become aggressive when picked up or walk stiffly. An arthritic cat may also stop climbing and jumping..
Diagnosis of arthritis in pets is usually done through x-ray examination. In the x-ray, an arthritic joint will appear abnormal, some bones may be thickened and bones that are degenerating will appear lighter than normal bone.
There is treatment for both dogs and cats with arthritis. Medication is usually the first step in treating arthritis and it is usually geared toward controlling inflammation and pain. Never give your pet medication of any type unless you speak to your veterinarian first. Many medications that are used safely in people can be dangerous to pets, even in small amounts.
There are also several homeopathic treatment options for pets with arthritis, although the efficacy of each type is not well known. Acupuncture, massage therapy and pheromone therapy have also been recommended. Glucosamine is an ingredient that has been used for many years to help promote cartilage healing and repair. Also, there have been some anecdotal reports that supplementing your pet's diet with essential fatty acids may also be helpful.
If you suspect your pet has arthritis talk to your veterinarian for more information about treatment options.
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