What is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a very common problem in cats & dogs. It has been estimated that over 80% of dogs over the age of 8 have arthritis. The condition causes long term degeneration of joints and involves many tissues including: the ligaments & tendons, joint capsule, cartilage (the joint surface) & the bone under the cartilage.
Most common causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in dogs usually has a specific underlying cause and is therefore often seen earlier in life. Underlying causes can include developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament rupture and injuries to the joint. Cats are very commonly affected and this may be seen at a young age.
Signs of Arthritis
There are many different signs of arthritis however as it is a chronic disease (gets worse over a long period of time), they are often very hard to spot. There are some obvious signs but, most are very subtle and harder to spot. Try our arthritis test bellow to see if your pet may be showing signs of arthritis.
Obvious signs of arthritis
- Stiffness
- Lameness
- Pain (especially after exercising)
- Tripping of legs
Subtle signs of arthritis
- Slowing down
- licking their joints
- Change in gait (walking pattern)
- Decreased exercise levels
- Depression
- Sleeping more
- Change in temperament
- in ability to climb stairs or climb on bed
Does my dog have signs of arthritis?
Does my cat have signs of arthritis?
Diagnosing arthritis
If you suspect your pet may be suffering from arthritis or joint pain the first step is a through physical exam by your vet. They can identify any painful areas and check for other conditions.
Further diagnostics: Your vet may recommend X-rays to confirm that the pain is due to arthritis and not another condition, also X-rays can be used to grade the severity of arthritis. Further advanced imaging e.g. CT or MRI may sometimes be advised. A blood and urine sample will be needed if your pet is to start on medication.
Arthritis Clinics
Unfortunately we do not offer arthritis clinics at our practice however, one of our nurses runs his own arthritis clinics 'J.A.K Pet Arthritis Therapy'.
'Unlike most vets I perform these clinics in your own home rather than in a strange environment. The benefits of this include:
- Your pet will be more relaxed and more likely to show their normal behaviours. When travelling to the vets they hide these behaviours where they are not relaxed.
- Fully examine them whilst they are in a calm, relaxed environment & without other strange smells.
- I can perform a full home check as well (looking for hazards that could cause their joints and arthritis to be worse)
After I have performed a full examination we can look at implementing a plan to help manage their arthritis and delay the progression. This plan may include;
- Weight loss (if needed)
- Therapies to help their joints
- Muscle strengthening exercises (if needed)
- home adjustments
After the first consult I will be available to talk to and will perform re-checks to monitor how the arthritis is progressing and see if any adaptions are needed to the plan.
Contact Jack on 07947517735, or visit J.A.K Pet Arthritis Therapy on facebook.