Going on a walk with your pet may feel like the best part of your day. But as your pet gets older, it may become harder and more painful for them to do what they love. That’s where we come in. Even though there is no cure for arthritis, we can manage it by creating a pain management treatment plan to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about our arthritis services, give us a call at 604-885-2309.
What are the causes of arthritis?
Arthritis is typically caused by the wear and tear of your pet’s joints. The cartilage that separates the bones in your pet’s body begins to break down as they get older. This causes their bones to rub together which leads to pain, inflammation, and discomfort, with the most common type of arthritis in pets being osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Symptoms of disease in pets can show up in many different ways. An early sign that your pet may have arthritis is if they start having trouble doing certain tasks they usually did with ease such as jumping onto their favourite couch. The best way to know is to bring them in for a visit to see one of our veterinarians. Other common signs of arthritis in pets are:
- Limping
- Flinching when touched
- Stiff or swollen joints
- Change in behaviour (irritability or aggression)
- Tiredness
Are there any treatment options for arthritis?
When you bring your pet in, our veterinarians will be able to diagnose and provide the best course of action for your pet to alleviate and manage their pain. We may recommend a mix of medication to reduce inflammation, lifestyle changes, or physical rehabilitation.
