Manning Veterinary Hospital

Caring for Your Pets Aches and Pains

Pets need to be prepared to cope with the arrival of winter when the signs of arthritis are worsened and the aches and pains can intensify.

One in five dogs suffer from pain and disability caused by canine arthritis, a painful and degenerative joint condition that develops gradually over time.
Just as in humans, canine arthritis is a chronic condition that gets progressively worse over time. If symptoms aren’t identified and arthritis is left untreated, pets will experience chronic pain and difficulty in movement, resulting in an overall decline in quality of life.
Six out of ten dog and cat owners recognised symptoms of limping and limited mobility as most likely to be caused by arthritis. Yet more than a quarter of pet owners associated symptoms of arthritis as simply a sign of aging.
While arthritis does get progressively worse with age, it can affect dogs of all ages and it can also affect dogs of all sizes and breeds, although larger dogs such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweiler’s and Border Collies are more prone.
Educating our clients the pet owners about arthritis is vital as they play an important role in identifying the early warning signs of the disease and as family members spend the most time with their pets, they are best placed to recognise changes in their pet’s behaviour or personality that may indicate suffering.
For instance, a dog or a cat will guard and protect an arthritic joint by not putting that limb down because it’s sore, or they may be a bit more agitated or depressed if they are in pain.

Looking for the following signs that may indicate a dog has arthritis:
· A reluctance to walk, jump and play
· Limping
· Joint stiffness in the morning or after a sleep
· Licking or biting of joints
· Difficulty in rising from a resting position or climbing stairs
· Yelping in pain when touched
· Change in personality – less happy or playful, sometimes aggressive and irritable

Here at Manning Veterinary Hospital we can prescribe a number of different medications that are effective for arthritis, including a treatment available in a chewable form making it easier for owners to get their pets to take the medication.
Seeking early diagnosis and treatment from your vet is crucial, particularly before the cooler months when arthritis pain tends to get worse.
We will conduct a thorough clinical examination, sometimes with x-rays and blood tests, and then work with the owner to manage the arthritis.
This may include a combination of weight loss, dietary review and gentle exercise, plus some form of medication.
Swimming is excellent as it is non-weight bearing and helps lose those extra kilos that can add stress to arthritic joints. It’s also important not to overfeed your pet and ensure they are comfortable, with a good supportive bed
Good arthritis management will ensure your pet has the spring in its step all year round.

 If your pet finds the cooler months difficult, make an appointment to see one of our vets who can help define the problem and formulate a plan tailored to your animal’s requirements.