| What is Arthritis? | | | | tests, joint fluid tests, and sometimes MRIs. Though it is |
| Arthritis means "inflammation of the joint." Inflammation | | | | relatively uncommon, sometimes arthritis can be |
| is characterized by swelling, stiffness, and pain. It is a | | | | caused by a bacterial infection inside a joint or an |
| common condition in older dogs and occasionally | | | | autoimmune disorder. |
| occurs in cats. This affliction can cause painful swelling | | | | Treatment Options |
| and stiffness. Joints which are commonly affected | | | | Depending on the breed, age, history, and weight of |
| include elbow, ankle, shoulders, and most often, hips. | | | | the pet, there may be alternatives to medication. |
| Signs of Arthritis | | | | Arthritis caused by hip, knee, or elbow dysplasia can |
| Personality change | | | | sometimes be treated with surgery. Arthroscopic |
| Limping | | | | surgery can be used to remove bone chips. In large |
| Lagging behind on walks | | | | breed dogs veterinarians will sometimes replace the |
| Difficulty sitting or standing | | | | entire hip joint. In cats and smaller breeds, they may |
| Resistant to touch | | | | recommend removing the top of the upper leg bone. |
| Weight gain | | | | The leg muscles will compensate in most cases |
| Moving stiffly or straight-legged gait | | | | where this is done. |
| Weight gain | | | | Many pet owners are moving to more holistic |
| Sleeping more | | | | approaches to treating arthritis. |
| Being less alert | | | | Some practitioners are supporting herbal supplements |
| Yelping in pain when touched | | | | and antioxidant vitamins. |
| Hesitancy to jump, run or climb | | | | Acupuncture is also gaining popularity among pet |
| Less interested in play | | | | owners for chronic pain. |
| Types of Arthritis | | | | Massage therapists can also give your pet relief. It is |
| Osteoarthritis | | | | not wise to massage your pet unless you ask your |
| Degenerative Joint Disease | | | | vet to show you how first. You can hurt them if you |
| Hip osteoarthritis - hip dysplasia | | | | are not sure where and how to message their |
| Elbow osteoarthritis - elbow dysplasia | | | | muscles and joints. |
| Knee osteoarthritis - knee dysplasia | | | | What About Exercise? |
| Knee (stifle joint) | | | | You should always follow your vet's advice regarding |
| Osteochondrosis | | | | exercising your arthritic dog. There is a fine line |
| Hypertrophic arthritis | | | | between your dog needing exercise and exercise that |
| Shoulder (degeneration) | | | | will overexert your pets joints. If you can find a doggy |
| Wrist Arthritis (carpi) | | | | pool close to you, and your veterinarian agrees, water |
| Kneecap (dislocation) | | | | sports can be a wonderful source of exercise that |
| What Should I do if I Suspect my Pet has Arthritis? | | | | does not stress inflamed joints. |
| DO NOT try to give your pet human medication! | | | | Diet |
| Anti-inflammatories and Acetaminophen can be | | | | As always, you want to be sure your dog is on a |
| extremely dangerous for your pet. Acetaminophen is | | | | healthy diet, and especially if your pet has arthritis. |
| actually toxic for cats. | | | | Obesity adds to stress on the bones and joints, which |
| The first thing you should do is seek the advice of | | | | adds to their discomfort. |
| your veterinarian. He or she can help you find out what | | | | Last but certainly not least, have you hugged your pet |
| kind of arthritis your pet has by taking X-rays, blood | | | | today? |