Joint problems and arthritis occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones, so when it becomes worn, joints become swollen and painful causing mobility to be impaired. Although it is not totally curable, there are things you can do to help ease your pet's pain.
If your pet has joint problems, the first thing you may notice is a difficulty rising from sitting or lying down and maybe a reluctance to run, climb stairs or jump onto a favourite chair. Other signs may include excessive licking or chewing at joints, swelling around a joint or vocalising when touched, especially around the hip region.
What causes joint problems?
Age: as pets get older, cartilage begins to degenerate. Most elderly animals suffer from joint problems to some degree.
Excess weight: weight gain puts extra pressure on joints which can cause an increased rate of deterioration.
Accident: joints can prematurely deteriorate as a result of stress or trauma caused by an accident.
Congenital defect: some pets are born with conditions that make them more prone to joint problems later in life.
Infection: occasionally, an infection can lead to the destruction of joint tissue and cartilage.
How can I help my pet with joint problems/arthritis?
In the ageing pet, regular vet health checks can help diagnose arthritis in its early stages. This will enable early treatment and earlier pain management, and possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
Once your vet has checked your pet, you may be offered a number of treatment options, which include:
Supplements: contain ingredients which help lubricate, regenerate and repair joints. Ingredients may include shark cartilage, green-lipped mussel extract, deer velvet, enzogenol, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These supplements are available over-the-counter and can be used long-term. They are best used on pets who show early signs of joint problems.
Anti-inflammatory medications: are prescription medications which only nyour vet can prescribe. They help reduce pain by decreasing inflammation in the joints. These are used for animals who show medium to severe signs of joint degeneration. There are some risks for long-term users, but in most cases the benefits outweigh the risks.
Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs: these prescription injectable drugs stimulate the body's own mechanisms to heal damaged joints and provide an anti-inflammatory effect. The treatment regime will be tailored to suit your pet and usually involves a course of four injections over four weeks. Follow-up injections may be required depending on the severity of arthritis in your pet and response to treatment. These are best used when long-term cover is required (eg a young kitten with a congenital defect) or when giving a daily tablet is unsuitable.
Bedding: is very important as your pet must have a warm and soft place to sleep and lie down throughout the day in order to reduce weight and pressure on the joints. .
Diet: is not only important to reduce weight gain (especially now as your older pet is exercising less) but also to help shed those few extra kilos which will reduce the weight and pressure on sore joints. There are also prescription diets available (eg Hills j/d diet) containing optimum levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help soothe aching joints and prevent degradation of healthy cartilage.
If you think your pet may have joint problems, please contact our friendly Totally Vets Feilding team for an appointment. Our vets will advise you on the best way to manage your pet's arthritis.
