Senior Pet Arthritis Diagnosis and Pain Management

Diagnosing Arthritis

When it comes to diagnosing arthritis at Lone Tree Animal Care Center, if you’ve noticed any of the symptoms we’ve discussed in your beloved pet, it’s crucial to schedule an evaluation with our veterinary team. We’ll typically begin with a thorough physical examination to assess your pet’s mobility and comfort. To get a clearer picture, we may recommend X-rays or other advanced imaging tests, which allow us to visualize the joints and identify any changes characteristic of arthritis. Additionally, to gain a deeper understanding of your pet’s specific challenges and how arthritis is impacting their daily life, we’ll ask you to complete one of our personalized osteoarthritis assessment forms. These forms help us tailor our approach, and you can easily send them back to us at info@lonetree.vet.

• Canine Osteoarthritis Assessment
• Feline Osteoarthritis Assessment

While there is currently no cure for arthritis, the good news is that at Lone Tree Animal Care Center, we have a range of effective pet arthritis treatment options designed to significantly ease your pet’s pain and dramatically improve their quality of life. Our comprehensive approach may include:

• Weight Management: One of the most impactful strategies is maintaining a healthy weight. For pets with arthritis, even losing a few pounds can dramatically reduce the stress on their painful joints, making them feel much more comfortable and mobile. We can help you develop a personalized weight loss plan.

• Controlled Exercise: Regular, appropriate exercise is vital. For pets with arthritis, we focus on low-impact activities like gentle walking, controlled leash exercises, or even swimming, which can strengthen muscles around the joints without causing further strain. We’ll guide you on the best exercise routine for your pet.

• Pain Medication: Our veterinarians can prescribe a variety of safe and effective pain medications tailored to your pet’s specific needs. These range from anti-inflammatory drugs to other advanced pain management options designed to keep your pet comfortable. For our feline friends, we’re excited about Solensia, a new and highly effective medication specifically for feline osteoarthritis that has shown excellent results in treating cats.  Librela is also available for canines with the same excellent results.

• Supplements: We often recommend supplements that contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. These can help support joint health, reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve overall joint function, working synergistically with other treatments.

• Acupuncture and Laser Therapy: For pets needing additional relief, we offer advanced therapies such as acupuncture and therapeutic laser treatments. These non-invasive methods can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, promoting healing and improving mobility without medication in many cases.  Learn more about these options here and here.