What Causes Arthritis In Dogs And Cats?

Arthritis is a common problem that can affect dogs and cats of any age. It can be due to injury, infectious disease, immune mediated disease, and abnormal bone development. Cancerous changes can also mimic the signs of arthritis in dogs and cats.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has Arthritis?

• When dogs show signs of arthritis they are in pain that would cripple the average person. Hiding pain is an evolutionary tactic to avoid being killed by predators. Signs of weakness are honed in on by predators, so it is best to hide any sign of pain. Things you should watch for include:
• A change in ability to go on the same length of walks. These dogs used to rip around the park, now they lag behind.
• A slight hesitancy to rise, or stiffness that they “warm out of”.
• Difficulty going up stairs or jumping into the vehicle.
• Irritable behaviour such as growling or biting when touched over the joints, especially the hips.
• Any change in the way they walk. This can be subtle and intermittent.

How To Tell If Your Cat Has Arthritis?

Cats are not little dogs. Cats tend to be very subtle displaying signs of arthritis and are unlikely to show obvious limping. Cats are also designed to hide signs of pain. As with dogs when you see signs of pain it is serious and they need help to relieve it. Signs to watch for when your cat has arthritis can include:

• Irritable behaviour, growling or hissing and striking when touched over painful areas.
• Reluctance or hesitancy to jump onto areas they used to be able reach.
• Difficulty grooming noted as an increase in matting of the fur.
• Soiling outside the litterbox.

What To Do When You Think Your Dog Or Cat Has Arthritis?

You should contact anexperienced veterinarianfor anexamination for your cat or dogas soon as possible. As the cycle of pain continues it activates different pathways and becomes more difficult to treat. Early intervention allows them to start enjoying life again.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kent Morley