When Every Step Becomes a Struggle
For most of us, our favorite part of the day is when we see times where our dogs race to the door as we walk in and begin pacing with joy; or when we open the door and see our furry companions sitting there, waiting for us. Now, envision that same pet who gets up more slowly than usual, limps over (as opposed to jumps), or when you turn around is sitting back down because the stairs appear to be too difficult.
Arthritis does not develop suddenly, it appears slowly over time. And, those small changes are often unnoticed until it progresses because pets cannot tell us when something hurts.The reality is arthritis is one of the most common, yet underdiagnosed clinical conditions in pets. If it is not recognized soon enough and evaluated, it can easily turn your pet’s golden years; or even middle age, into an ongoing challenge with painful life.
Recognizing the early signs of arthritis is important for qualifying for prognosis, but most importantly comfort. You want your animal partner to live long and continue to enjoy life, at least in comfort and with dignity.
The Consequences of Arthritis on Pets
Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that gradually erodes the protective cartilage between bones. Once the cartilage gets thinner, the bones start to rub against each other, which creates pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
The effects go far beyond mobility:
- Chronic pain and stiffness make getting up, walking, and playing difficult for the pet.
- Reduced activity means the pet is gaining weight, which puts increased stress on the joints.
- Diminished muscle strength around the joints exacerbates the mobility issue.
- Behavior changes may begin, such as irritability, withdrawal, or an unwillingness to be touched.
Emotional health is affected, a pet may go from “running around”, “exploring the yard” or “playing a lot” to uncertain, frustrated or depressed as they realize they can no longer be independent.
Arthritis can change a lively, loving companion to a pet that has difficulty enjoying the simplest daily routines. However, the good news is this suffering can be prevented or alleviated with early diagnosis and treatment.
Early Indications for Pet Owners to Look For
Signs of arthritis can often start subtly, so it’s important to be observant. Watch for the following:
- Stiffness or difficulty getting up after resting
- Lack of desire to get up stairs, jump, or be active
- Limping or favoring one limb
- Noticing a marked change in their walking speed
- Noticing changes in their posture or walking: such as shortened steps and shifting weight
- Behavioral changes: increased irritability or less interaction with you
- Voicing ‘rubbing’, swelling in joints, and/or noticeable lack of muscle in their back legs (cats especially).
Cats can mask their discomfort better than dogs and often provide indications by not grooming themselves, embracing lower surfaces, avoiding high spaces, or missing the litter box.
Why Early Detection is so Important
Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis early is not simply about pain relief; it can alter the course of a pet’s health.
Slows the progression of disease: A veterinary approach along with lifestyle changes can safeguard the health of the joint, while limiting future degeneration.
Maintains mobility: An active pet is able to keep muscle strength and coordination to lessen the amount of weight placed on the affected joint.
Enhances comfort and quality of life: Relief from pain earlier can prevent your pet from suffering while maintaining normal living habits.
Prevents secondary conditions: When identified early, weight gain, muscle wasting, and altered gait can be avoided by managing the arthritis.
Looking after the long-term cost: Early treatment lessens the risk of undergoing challenges later with a surgical procedure, or multiple medications, which all usually require an extensive amount of time.
Ways You Can Help a Pet with Arthritis
Veterinary care is important, but it is pet parents and caregivers who provide the support for their pet’s joint health.
- Maintain a healthy weight: A kilogram or two of weight adds stress on the joints.
- Encourage low-impact exercise: Short, regular walks are great for dogs, swimming is great low-impact exercise too. Gentle play keeps the cat active while not overdoing it.
- Provide a joint accommodating home environment: Soft bedding, ramps instead of stairs, to get in and out, to reduce slipping, all help reduce movement strain.
- Provide joint supplements and therapies recommended by your vet: Supplements such as glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, or therapies such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or lasers can significantly help with pain and inflammation.
- Plan regular check-ups: Two reasons for this: arthritis is progressive, and part of the regular check-up is to ensure your routine is still the best course of action as your pet develops.
When to Visit The Vet
If your pet is limping, seems stiff, or fails to show any enthusiasm for change in behavior or movement, it is time to have your veterinarian examine your pet. The best way to assess if arthritis is present and create an individualized plan to manage arthritis is to have your veterinarian physically evaluate your pet and obtain imaging if necessary.
MRVET Hospitals: The Care and Comfort of Your Pet is Our Responsibility
We understand how hard it is to see your best friend in pain. Our caring veterinary team can provide:
- The ability to diagnose early arthritis
- Complete multimodal pain management
- Nutritional and lifestyle changes to promote joint health
- Physio-therapy and rehab
- Accommodation advice to make your home arthritis friendly.
All treatment options are intended to address the disease, but also your pet’s comfort and happiness, and your peace of mind as a family.
Concluding Statement and Call to Action
Arthritis doesn’t have to take away the joy of your pet. If you observe and act early, you are improving your pet’s experience, and both of you can continue to experience the joy, love, and spirit that makes our pets family.
If you observe any changes in your pet’s movement or behaviour, do not delay. Contact MRVET Hospitals for a consultation today! Together we can help your pet either have more years or better years or both.