Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease – DJD)
Arthritis can be a painful, chronic and debilitating disease. We know that many dogs and cats will develop degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) at some point in their lives. This insidious disease often develops slowly - as a common part of the aging process, as a result of joint instability, secondary to infection or in genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia in dogs.
Of course pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, and frequently we only recognize a problem when they begin to have trouble going up and down stairs, jumping up to their favorite sleeping spot or getting into the car. As the condition becomes more advanced, or when there are acute flare-ups, you may notice stiffness when rising or even a pronounced limp. Animals that are overweight or receive infrequent exercise (and yes, these often go together) experience more serious signs.
Older animals, especially cats, may demonstrate more subtle signs including:
- Difficulty grooming hard to reach areas
- Vocalizing when touched (a possible sign of pain)
- Personality changes that involve resisting touch or manipulation
- Sleeping more than usual
If you’ve noticed any of these signs please call and schedule an appointment. Along with taking a history and performing a careful examination, radiographs (x-rays) often help to characterize the nature and degree of arthritis, and which joints are affected.
Remember, the point of making an accurate diagnosis is designing appropriate treatment. Our approach for managing arthritis is termed multi-modal - several avenues of therapy are often used in conjunction with one another to increase the effectiveness of our treatment. These include:
- Pain medications, including NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs)
- Nutraceuticals (such as glucosamine, omega-3 FA, MSM and chondroitin)
- Injectable medication (polysulfated glycosaminoglycans) to help repair damaged cartilage
- Prescription diets designed to help manage arthritic joints
- Weight loss and exercise programs to promote increased mobility
Your pet deserves to live a long, healthy and active life. Make an appointment today!
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2008 PetFit Challenge
Pet owners understand that obesity is about more than appearance. Scientific evidence shows that obesity is a condition that can lead to serious disease. In conjunction with the AVMA and Hill’s our hospital is focused on raising awareness about the right way to achieve and maintain healthy weight:
- Proper nutrition
- Increased physical activity
- Regular veterinary visits
Click on the link above for tools to help you increase your pet’s activity, decrease their weight and start them living a happier and healthier life!
Bond Animal Hospital
250 Central Avenue
White Plains, New York 10606
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