Arthritis in Pets

Arthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by inflammation, stiffness and pain of the joints due to the deterioration of cartilage. Not every pet of advanced years will be affected by arthritis, but some breeds of dogs, in particular, seem to be more prone to it than others. In addition, many pets are vulnerable to a variant form of arthritis known as Hip Dysplaysia, which impacts the joint socket where the hip and rear leg meet.

While fairly common in dogs, arthritis is relatively rare in cats. For dogs, the joints usually affected are the shoulder, knee, ankle, the spine and hips. For cats, arthritis most commonly occurs in the spine, hips and the joints connecting the tiny bones of the feet.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Since your pet cannot tell you when they are experiencing arthritis pain, you should be aware of the symptoms to look for, which include:

• Decreased mobility
• Stiffness or lameness
• Running with both rear legs together instead of displaying a full gait
• Difficulty climbing steps or getting into the car
• Whining during sleep or rest
• Favoring one leg over another
• Frequent shifting of weight
• Discomfort when the back or spine is stroked

Unfortunately, symptoms may take a long time to become apparent and damage to cartilage and joint tissue may well be underway by the time arthritis is diagnosed. Therefore, pet owners should take a proactive approach to address arthritis before it occurs.

Arthritis Prevention in Pets

The best way to prevent your pet from developing arthritis in later years is to adhere to a healthy wellness program throughout the animal’s life. The following are some specific factors that can help to prevent arthritis in your pet:

• Feed a high quality diet consisting of natural, whole sources of protein and void of artificial ingredients.
• Exercise your pet regularly to prevent obesity and increase flexibility.
• Consider giving your pet a supplement high in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3.

Treatment of Arthritis in Pets

If your dog or cat is already displaying signs of arthritis, there are several options available to you to reduce symptoms and improve the integrity of joint tissue and cartilage, such as:

• Herbal Therapy: Devil’s claw and ginger are two of several botanicals that exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Other herbs may be given to help promote detoxification of the liver and support immune function, such as milk thistle and echinacea.
• Nutraceuticals: Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitan are commonly given to help restore damaged cartilage and increase lubrication in the joints by increasing the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen. Tissue salts, such as natrium sulphate and calcium fluoride, help to reduce inflammation and promote elasticity in joint tissues and tendons.
• Acupuncture: Recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association as ‘neural opiate’ therapy for arthritis in pets, acupuncture stimulates endorphin production to relieve pain and improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to joints and muscles.