Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ wants to help pet owners, in the nearby areas, understand the illnesses and conditions that can affect the health and quality of life of their pets. Arthritis is a common condition, especially among senior or geriatric dogs that often requires veterinarian assistance to treat and manage. The better you understand the condition the more effective resource you can be in helping your older dog or cat, live a more comfortable existence through adequate pain management.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is actually inflammation of the joints. It can affect single joints or multiple joints in the body and practically any joint in the body. It is more common in dogs than cats, though cats can get arthritis. It is also more common in larger dogs than smaller ones.
What Causes Canine Arthritis?
Unfortunately, there is no single, definitive cause of arthritis in dogs. It can be triggered by a variety of things, including:
- Infections
- Tick-borne diseases.
- Immune-related diseases.
- Trauma.
- Metabolic issues.
- Obesity.
- Age.
- Overuse.
- Genetic conditions (such as hip, elbow, or knee dysplasia).
Some people mistake symptoms associated with neurological conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy with arthritis, especially in an aging dog. The two conditions are different, however, and degenerative myelopathy is a neurological condition that often results in compassionate euthanization within one to three years, while dogs with properly managed arthritis can enjoy excellent quality of life much longer.
Treating Arthritis in Dogs
There are several treatment options available to help pet owners to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in their older dog. While arthritis is a condition that may affect dogs of any age, it is more common in senior or geriatric dogs than in younger animals.
Pain management medications and joint supplements may be prescribed for your canine to help manage the condition as well as dog rehabilitation or even surgery. We may recommend surgery as an option for prevention of arthritis as well, especially in dogs that have underlying treatments that may cause arthritis over time or if surgery can reduce pain. A veterinary clinician may also recommend it to restore use of certain joints later in the process.
Dog rehabilitation is another commonly prescribed treatment for your aging dog living with arthritis. Your veterinarian may suggest specific daily exercises and therapies at home, as well as clinical rehabilitative treatments.
Contact Valley Animal Hospital Today if You Suspect Your Pet has Arthritis
Don’t hesitate to reach out for exceptional veterinary care and guidance to help manage your pet’s arthritis effectively. While the inflammation of arthritis can be painful, there are many effective treatments available to help manage the condition. Contact Valley Animal Hospital today if you live in and around the Clifton, NJ area and suspect your pet has arthritis.