ARTHRITIS
IN
CATS & DOGS

If your pet limps or seems less eager to move about it may be time to have it checked for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative joint disease.  It makes movement painful.  Osteoarthritis typically affects pets in their middle and senior years. However, younger animals can also be affected, particularly if they have suffered traumatic injury or have skeletal conformation faults. Studies show that 20% of dogs have some form of arthritis.  Though cats are less prone to arthritis they can also suffer from it.

Though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there treatments that can decrease your pet’s discomfort and increase its mobility.

SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS INCLUDE:

• Difficulty walking, climbing, or getting in and out of the litter box
• Limping
• Reduced appetite
• Pet no longer grooms itself
• Lagging behind on walks
• Hesitancy or slowness rising when from a lying position
• Slow or stiff movements on waking, getting up, or in cold weather
• Decreased activity, especially play
• Hopping with hind legs, rather than running normally
• Swollen joints that feel warm when touched
• Licking or chewing a joint
• Yelping in pain when touched
• Personality changes -i.e. aggressiveness when touched
• Resting more than usual

If you notice one or a combination of the above symptoms, bring your pet in immediately.  In most cases we can treat the symptoms and improve your pet's quality of life.

CAUSES OF ARTHRITIS:

There are many causes, but practically all can be grouped into two main categories:Abnormal stress on normal joints - An injury that damages a joint - “Wear and tear”: joints are subjected to repeated loads or stress - Obesity: an excessive load is put on joints Normal stress on abnormal joints - Developmental defects that alter the shape or stability of a joint - Poor limb conformation: bow legs or knock knees can cause an uneven load on a joint

Genetic predisposition - Some breeds of dogs are more prone to osteoarthritis than others. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German shepherds, Newfoundland and St. Bernard are among the breeds that seem predisposed. Conversely, some breeds that have been bred for speed or athletic prowess, such as performance Borzois and racing Greyhounds, almost never develop arthritis.

Whatever the specific cause, stress on a joint can begin a destructive cycle of inflammation of the joint area and damage to the cartilage that leads to pain for your pet.

TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Weight - Maintain your pet at a healthy weight.  Excess weight puts undue strain on all joints including hips.  Regularly monitor your pet's weight.  You should be able to easily feel its ribs under its coat.  Ask us to show you how to determine whether your dog or cat is a healthy weight.

Exercise - Moderate low-impact exercise improves joint mobility Dogs benefit walking and swimming.
Ask us what amount and type of exercise are best for your pet.  When the pet has a pain flare up, suspend exercise until the pain subsides.

Temperature - Keep your pet warm at all times.  Do not expose it to temperature extremes.

Bedding - Provide a well padded and warm bed to help alleviate some of the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Foam beds for dogs and cats are commercially available.

Non Steriodal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) - Inhibit the release of prostaglandins (Prostaglandins are unsaturated carboxylic acids.  Physiological effects of prostaglandins include the activation of the inflammatory response, production of pain, and fever. When tissues are damaged, white blood cells flood to the site to try to minimize tissue destruction. Prostaglandins are produced as a result.) decreasing the inflammatory process and reducing pain.

Alternative Drugs or Neutraceuticals for Dogs and Cats- According to the manufacturers, these drugs work provide the raw materials to enhance the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (Family of carbohydrates is essential or important for the life of vertebrates that form an important component of connective tissues.) and hyaluronate (Hyaluronan is an important component of articular cartilage, where it is present as a coat around each cell.), two factors that are  not produced adequately in the diseased arthritic joint. These drugs may also enhance the synthesis of other macromolecules by cartilage cells that inhibit degradative enzymes produced within the arthritic joint.

Glucosamine appears to be a promising treatment for hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.   Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and joint pain in both pets and humans.

Used in the correct form and quality, glucosamine can treat pain and rehabilitate damaged cartilage. It is safe to use and does not have any of the side effects associated with NSAIDs.

Studies have shown positive effects in people with osteoarthritis. No controlled studies have been performed showing efficacy in dogs and cats but many owners report positive responses. Be sure to ask us about the use of glucosamine and other neutraceuticals for your pet.

Disease Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents - Drugs that are injected into the joint, vein or muscle have been a useful treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs. Injection allows the drugs to reach more rapid therapeutic levels than when taken orally. These drugs may be used along with oral neutraceuticals.  Response to drugs varies from animal to animal.  There are side effects so animals must be observed closely.

Osteoarthritis may progress over several years it over a few weeks or months. Individual animals experience individual symptoms and levels of pain.  Ask us about the best course of treatment for your dog or cat.  best course of treatment for your pet’s particular condition. We can help you help your pet live the best and most comfortable life possible.