Pet Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pets suffer from different joint diseases, but arthritis is the most common. Arthritis affects the joints of pets, making them feel pain and uncomfortable.
Do you suspect that your pet is suffering from arthritis? Or your pet has already been diagnosed with the condition, and it does not seem to be getting better even after treatment?
Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville has developed an effective pet arthritis treatment method that will alleviate pain and improve their quality of life.
What Causes Pet Arthritis?
Cartilage damage within a joint is usually the first process of arthritis development. This happens as a result of congenital abnormalities, injury, or aging. After the cartilage is damaged, it produces inflammation-causing enzymes. This leads to cartilage thinning, reducing its ability to absorb shock.
How Can I Know My Pet Has Arthritis?
If a pet has arthritis, you might not realize it during the initial development stages. It is even more difficult in cats since they always hide any sign of injury unless it has gotten to a severe extent.
If your pet has arthritis, you may observe they may have signs like:
- Walking slower than usual
- Limping
- Difficulties rising up
- Showing irritability and aggression
- Licking their joints
- Abnormal posture
Is Pet Arthritis Curable?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for pet arthritis. A vet can only treat a pet to minimize the condition’s symptoms. Treatment focuses on minimizing pain, reducing inflammation, and slowing the progress of the disease.
How to Prevent Pet Arthritis
Prevention will always be better than cure. It is possible to protect your pet from arthritis and other joint-related problems by observing the following care tips.
Prevent Obesity
Obesity is one of the main causes of arthritis in pets. When a pet is too heavy, its joints are subjected to too much pressure and can easily get degenerated. Make sure your pet has the right weight by giving them the right food and correct portions.
Exercise
Encourage your pet to exercise. This ensures they maintain the right weight and develop strong muscle to support their joints. However, be careful when exercising them since too much of it can lead to muscle strains and joint problems in the long run.
Regular Checkups
Visiting a vet for checkups will ensure that any abnormality is detected early enough and treated before it becomes severe. A vet will also give you care tips to keep your pet healthy.
Visit Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville
If you have noticed any sign of arthritis in your pet, do not hesitate to contact Callahan Drive Animal Hospital in Knoxville. Our veterinarian will perform a comprehensive test to determine the cause and severity of the condition and come up with the most suitable treatment method. For more information about services, contact us at (865) 938-0243.