The good news is that pets are living longer than ever due to advances in nutrition and veterinary care. The bad news is that most older pets will get arthritis. This is an incurable condition, but it can be managed with help from a veterinarian. Most animals with arthritis can still lead comfortable, happy lives. At Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital, we have been providing pet owners in Bossier City, LA with pet arthritis treatment for many years.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the name for any inflammation of a pet’s joints. The condition is debilitating and prevents pets from moving comfortably. When suffering from arthritis, pets become stiff, develop swollen limbs, have trouble walking and climbing, and are reluctant to move about.
Causes
There isn’t just one cause of arthritis. Potential causes of arthritis include genetics, birth defects, past injuries, weight issues, joint infection, or other conditions that cause joints to degrade. Although the majority of pets with arthritis are elderly, it can also appear in younger animals.
Diagnosis
There isn’t just one treatment option for pets with arthritis. Several things may need to be done to relieve your pet’s pain and restore your pet’s mobility. Our veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination to determine whether or not your pet’s mobility issues are due to arthritis or a separate medical issue. If arthritis is present, our veterinarian will recommend treatment based on the severity of your pet’s condition as well as your pet’s age and lifestyle. Since the symptoms of pet arthritis are similar to other problems like bone cancer, blood tests and X-rays may be needed.
Treatment
Medication may be prescribed to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may be recommended to improve the condition of your pet’s joints. Cold laser treatment may be recommended to promote the ability of your pet’s body to repair itself. Some pets benefit from TENS and acupuncture. In extreme cases, our veterinarian may recommend surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
There are many things an owner can do to make life easier for a pet with arthritis. Helping your pet lose weight will reduce strain on your pet’s joints. Exercise also promotes weight loss and keeps joints mobile. Make sure to place rugs on slippery surfaces like tiled floors. Heated beds can help prevent morning stiffness. Place pet steps and ramps to help your pet access high surfaces. Make sure litter pans have low lips to help arthritic cats get in and out easily.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Pet Arthritis Treatment in Bossier City, LA
Call Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital today at (318) 742-5353 for more information on pet arthritis or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.