Arthritis in Pets
As we get older, we expect to become a little frailer in our day to day lives, and with our pets this is the same case. Joints can seize up, making moving around painful and tiring. If you believe your pet is struggling to get around or perhaps that they are starting to show signs of slowing down, and then perhaps you ought to consider the likelihood of your pet having arthritis. Animal Friends is taking a look into what causes arthritis in pets, and how you can help.
What is Arthritis?
Firstly, Arthritis in pets is the same condition as in us humans – a condition where viscosity and lubrication in the joints is lost, meaning that, in part, bone on bone contact occurs. This rubbing and chafing causing pain and inflammation of the joints affected, making it difficult to move about.
There are many causes for arthritis, and these can vary and change from animal to animal, so seek advice from your vet when the signs of arthritis show. Some of the factors are; diets including high amounts of carbohydrates, Ligament/tendon/muscle disease, fractures involving the joint, any genetic malformation of the joint or bone, developmental disorders such as elbow or hip dysplasia, congenital disorders, dietary and hormonal disease such as hyperparathyroidism or obesity, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, cancer, degenerative joint disease, inflammatory joint disease, degenerative spinal joint disease and canine osteoarthritis, similar to degenerative joint disease where the cartilage is stripped away and calcium deposits build up on the bone, limiting range of motion in the joint.
Reducing Arthritis Pain
As obesity can increase the pain from arthritis, keeping your pet’s diet to an optimum level is important as extra weight puts more pressure on the painful joints. Not only is watching food intake important, but combined with the right exercise you can prevent the impact of arthritis before it affects your pet. Exercise will build up the muscles around the joints, compensating for them when they weaken. Swimming is the best exercise for this kind of technique, however this should only be used if your pet is agreeable. Finally, just like with humans, the environment plays a big part in how arthritis affects your pet. In cold and wet environments, arthritis can be aggravated, although some types of arthritis may be affected by too much warmth.
Remember…
Arthritis is a lifelong disease that will remain with your pet forever. Fortunately, it can be treated with a number of simple remedies which will help reduce the pain for your pet and ensure as little discomfort as possible. This treatment, however, will incur recurring costs year after year so make sure you are safe and have the right pet insurance cover. Animal Friends Insurance offers a comprehensive range of cat and dog insurance, so visit www.animalfriends.co.uk or phone us on 0845 55 70 300 and ask how we can help your animal friend today.
