Arthritis is a disease that can cause crippling pain for your loyal companion. This joint disease will worsen over time which is why early detection is important so we can start immediate treatment. Our goal is to make sure that your loyal companion can still maintain a high quality of life even with an arthritis diagnosis. To discuss arthritis treatment for your loyal companion, please call us at 780-481-5678.

How do pets develop arthritis?

Many cats and dogs will develop arthritis at some point in their life. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis seen in pets. Senior pets are predisposed to developing this “wear and tear” disease. This type of arthritis develops when the ligament between bones has worn out which causes the bones to rub against each other. Joint pain, limping, weight gain, not wanting to do physical activity and becoming irritable are all signs that a patient may be suffering from arthritis. Other factors such as your pet’s breed and their lifestyle can put them at risk of developing arthritis. Pets from a larger breed may develop arthritis because their weight puts more strain on their joints. Similarly, a pet that does more physical activity or has multiple injuries are at risk of developing arthritis.

Can this disease be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this degenerative disease. Thankfully an individualized care plan can make life easier for your arthritic pet. We consider your pet’s lifestyle, diet and weight when creating a treatment plan. Our veterinarians may suggest a modified diet, pain medication and therapy to reduce the inflammation and pain.