Arthritis can affect pets at different stages of life, not only those in their golden years. An arthritis diagnosis means your pet will need special care to ensure they can maintain a high quality of life. Though there’s no cure for the disease, we will work with you to ensure your pet experiences as little pain as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about our arthritis treatments, please contact us at 604-940-0899.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that gets progressively worse over time, especially if left untreated. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better equipped we are to help your pet manage it. Aging pets aren’t the only ones who are susceptible to the disease. Arthritis includes the wearing away of the protective cartilage between the joints. This can be caused by regular wear and tear, frequent injuries, underlying health issues as well as genetics. Though arthritis can affect any of your pet’s joints, it is most common in their hips, knees, shoulders and elbows.
What are the early signs of arthritis?
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it’s important to book an appointment so we can create a treatment plan:
- Decreased movement
- Limping
- Swelling
- Yelping when touched
- Tiredness
- Licking or biting at joints
What happens after my pet is diagnosed?
Our veterinary team will assess the stage and severity of your pet’s condition, which will impact the types of treatment we recommend. Since arthritis has no cure, our main goal is ensuring your pet’s pain doesn’t negatively impact their life. This means a combination of pain management strategies including prescription medication like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), weight management, supplements and therapeutic treatments.
