Love your pet… love your vet
Arthritis – is your pet affected? Anyone with arthritis knows that chills get in their joints and the same is true for our pets. With 80% of older dogs and cats suffering with arthritis, it is important that as pet owners we know the signs to look out for when problems arise.
The joints most susceptible to arthritis are the ones permitting free limb movements – called synovial joints. Arthritis develops when the articular cartilage becomes pitted and cracked. These changes are commonly due to age-related wear and tear, but can also be secondary to joint trauma and also conformational joint issues such as hip dysplasia.
So what are the signs of arthritis? These often include sleeping more, plus for dogs – diffi culty in getting up after rest, slowing down on walks and a reluctance to jump into the car. Cats may take extra time or effort to jump up onto surfaces or show signs of toileting issues, such as incontinence or missing a litter tray.
Arthritis is usually diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination (examining the joints for swelling, thickening, pain and range of movement), plus a history suggestive of changes compatible with the disease. X-rays can also be helpful, confi rming the degree of bone changes.
Although arthritis cannot be cured, most pets will benefi t from a wide range of treatment options. A key consideration is weight loss for any pets carrying excess weight as this hugely impacts on the joints. Many pets also benefi t from anti-infl ammatory medication to reduce the soreness and pain. Dietary supplements (such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate) are often benefi cial. Many arthritic pets struggle with long walks, so little and often is the key.
So – if your pet is showing any signs of arthritis, please contact your vet.
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Hillside Veterinary Centre Love your pet… love your vet
1st
vet consultation FREE with this voucher
Visit us at 116 Wareham Road Corfe Mullen Wimborne BH21 3LH t: 01202 698899 e:
mail@hillsidevets.co.uk www.hillsidevets.co.uk
Please mention The Corfe Mullen Link when responding to adverts Simply cut out the voucher and present on arrival at reception. Offer limited to one
voucher per household and applicable to new client registrations only – Sep19 CML 43
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