Osteoarthritis is a common ailment in older pets. It’s caused by the deterioration of the cartilage in your pet’s joints as they age – and it leads to chronic inflammation, discomfort and pain.
Often your vet will be able to diagnose your pet’s osteoarthritis on a physical exam and collecting a thorough history. In some cases, an x-ray may be required to assess the severity.
A weight management plan is important if your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis. Elderly dogs have a natural tendency to put on weight and the extra weight will place additional strain on the joints. It’s best to keep your dog at its optimal weight. We can discuss this in detail with you.
Your vet may also talk to you about maintaining a low impact exercise routine to keep the muscles surrounding the joint in good condition providing stability. We can help suggest some activities and exercises that suit both you and your pet.
At Karingal Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s happiness and quality of life is our top priority. We will be able to develop a pain management system to help your pet cope. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the physical changes. We can assess your pet’s individual condition and create a pain management plan together. Your pet’s plan may include pain medications and supplements to ease the pain. There are premium supplemental products that can be added to your pet’s daily feed. They have been proven to be effective in easing joint pain.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from joint pain, please come and see us. It is a condition that needs to be managed and monitored for the best quality of life for your pet. You can call us or book online today.