Services
Arthritis Assessment and Treatment
As pets age, they may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. This is often due to arthritis, a common condition in older animals. While arthritis is incurable, there are things our veterinarian at Lone Tree Animal Care Center in Omaha can do to ease your pet’s pain and make it more comfortable.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis is usually caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. This can be due to aging, previous injuries, or obesity. In some cases, arthritis may be caused by an autoimmune disease.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common symptom of arthritis is pain. This may be evident when your pet tries to move around or get comfortable. Other symptoms include:
- Slowing Down
- If your pet has arthritis, you may notice that it is not as active as it used to be. It may take more naps and seem less interested in playing.
- Weight Gain
- Arthritis can make it difficult for your pet to exercise, which may lead to weight gain.
- Limping
- If your pet is favoring one of its legs, it could be a sign that it is in pain. This is often more noticeable after it has been resting for a while.
- Changes in Behavior
- Pets with arthritis may become grumpy or irritable. They may also withdraw from their normal activities and become less social.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis is usually caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. This can be due to aging, previous injuries, or obesity. In some cases, arthritis may be caused by an autoimmune disease.
Diagnosing Arthritis
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your pet, it’s important to take it to our veterinarian for an evaluation. We will likely start with a physical examination and recommend x-rays or other imaging tests. We will probably also ask you to complete one of the following osteoarthritis assessments. Make sure to personalize the form and put in info@lonetree.vet as the destination email.
Pet Arthritis Treatment Options
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are things that can be done to ease your pet’s pain and improve its quality of life. Treatment may include:
- Weight Management
- Maintaining a healthy weight is important for pets with arthritis. Losing even a few pounds can take pressure off their joints and help them feel better.
- Exercise
- Regular exercise is important for all pets, but it’s especially important for those with arthritis. Low-impact activities like swimming or walking are good options.
- Pain Medication
- There are a variety of pain medications that your veterinarian may prescribe for your pet. These can range from over-the-counter options to stronger prescription medications.
- Solensia is a new feline osteoarthritis medicine that has recently become available and shows excellent results in treating cats.
- Supplements
- Supplements for pets with arthritis often contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can ease pain and improve joint function.
Improve Your Pet’s Quality of Life
Arthritis is a common condition in older pets, but that doesn’t mean your pet has to suffer. We can develop a treatment plan to help ease your pet’s pain and improve its quality of life. If you think your pet has arthritis, call Lone Tree Animal Care Center in Omaha today at (402) 389-3356 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.