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Pet arthritis
June 10, 2005 04:15 PM EST | Pets | Email to Friend | Comments (0)
Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. The most common pet arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), named because the problem is caused by the bones (osteo). Arthritis can also be caused by infection (septic arthritis) or by the body attacking itself in an immune system malfunction (rheumatoid arthritis).
With osteoarthritis, bones are damaged because cartilage has given way. Cartilage is there to act as a cushion preventing bone from hitting bone as the joint moves. If the cartilage dries, roughens, or chips, bare bones are exposed. The exposed bone flattens and loses resilience so the joint no longer moves smoothly; it jerks and creaks. In response, the body sends white blood cells to the joint, but instead of repairing damage, the white blood cells release enzymes and free radicals that make things worse. The synovial fluid bathing the joint loses viscosity because it is damaged by the white blood cells’ enzymes. As the synovial fluid thins, it’s no longer able to resist joint compression or provide lubrication. Eventually, even the capsule that surrounds the joint inflames. The pet then has painful arthritis.
Who Gets Arthritis?
Most dogs in their senior years have arthritis. In fact, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common skeletal disease of dogs. Working, athletic, obese dogs—and those with diabetes or Cushing’s disease—are especially prone. Trauma and injury, hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia also predispose pets to OA. Cats get arthritis too, and estimates are that 12 million cats in the US (20% of cats) have arthritis.
In fact, arthritis is such a universal problem that it’s found in dinosaur fossils.
Signs & Symptoms
Pets with arthritis may be lame and stiff. They may have swollen and painful joints that creak. Some pets hide their pain, but you’ll notice they don’t want to play because it’s difficult to run and wrestle. They can’t leap on or off the bed, or climb into a car without help. Some pets bite at, or lick, their joints because they ache. Other pets bite us when their joints ache. That’s one reason a ten-year-old golden retriever who has loved children all her life, now snaps at the grandkids.
With cats, it can be difficult to diagnose arthritis because they are naturally agile. Cats’ agility allows them to compensate for arthritis and we may not notice limping. Instead, cats with arthritis display signs of chronic pain. They’re grumpy and poorly groomed. They may be constipated because it is difficult for them to squat to eliminate. They take several small jumps rather than that single leap to reach the counter. If you notice these signs, consider having your veterinarian evaluate the cat for joint disease. X-rays may reveal arthritis. In fact, there is evidence of arthritis in 90% of cats over 12 years of age.
The Treatment Triad
The arthritis treatment triad has 3 approaches that best relieve arthritis pain:
1. Pain medication - NSAIDs, Homeopathics, Vet Tip, Corticosteroids
2. Chondroprotectives and Omega 3 fatty acids - Protecting the Cartilage With Chondroprotectives; Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Reduce Inflammation
3. Weight loss - When overweight, arthritic pets lose weight, their arthritic pain significantly decreases. Visit our Weight Loss Solution Center for tips on how to help your pet lose weight, and information on the latest weight-loss product, Vetri-Lean Plus
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