Just like humans who get older, older pets can start to suffer from arthritis. It's common for this to happen in old age, but it can also happen in younger pets. If you think that your pet may be suffering from arthritis, it's a good idea to get them good senior pet care. Bring them to Fairview Veterinary Hospital in Independence, MO, to see the veterinarian. Pet wellness is essential, and some treatments can help with arthritis.
What Is Arthritis in Pets?
Arthritis is a common condition for pets and often develops when they enter middle age. Arthritis is also called degenerative joint disease. It happens when the pet has a joint that becomes unstable. This instability can make the bones of the joint move abnormally, and this causes a lot of problems. This abnormal movement begins to erode the joint's cartilage. The cartilage is the substance that lines the joint and keeps each bone from rubbing against the other. When this erosion happens to the cartilage, the bones start to rub against each other, and this causes the patient pain and inflammation.
The pain and stiffness can mean your pet has less quality of life. If your pet has arthritis, they need senior pet care and should see the veterinarian to be assessed and to get any treatments that will help them feel better. Pet wellness should be a part of your pet's care.
Arthritis Symptoms in Pets
When your pet has arthritis, they may have any of a number of symptoms. Both cats and dogs get arthritis, but they may have small differences in their symptoms. Cats and dogs both often limp with arthritis because the pain and stiffness make walking harder. As pets age, they often slow down their movements, and some owners think this is regular aging instead of arthritis. However, it can be both.
Cats with arthritis may have a more challenging time climbing and jumping. Dogs with arthritis often have trouble getting onto furniture and climbing stairs and jumping into a car. Cats with arthritis may "go" outside their litter boxes because they cannot get inside them. They may also groom an area excessively. Dogs often pant excessively when they are in pain. Any of these behavioral changes warrant a visit to the veterinarian for senior pet care.
Visit the Animal Hospital
If your pet may have arthritis, call Fairview Veterinary Hospital in Independence, MO, at (816) 257-5454 to make your pet's health exam appointment.
