Osteoarthritis: Why you should monitor your pet closely

Keeping a pet is a huge responsibility, bigger at times than nurturing a child. The child will tell you what is bothering it, where it hurts, what it wants to do or doesn’t want to do, but a pet simply can’t. That is why it is imperative for the owner or caretaker to be watchful for any sign of distress or discomfort in the animal.

One such ailment that is becoming fairly common in pets is osteoarthritis. According to Thrive Pet Healthcare, a leading veterinary care community that operates more than 380 hospitals in 37 states of the USA, osteoarthritis affects approximately 20% of dogs over the age of one year and 60% of cats six years or older.

While the condition is often associated in the human mind with older animals (and humans), Thrive Pet cautions that it can affect dogs and cats of any age, breed, or size, causing pain that can significantly hurt their quality of life, both physically and emotionally.

“Pets often hide their pain until it becomes severe,” said Dr Christine Jurek, medical director of Thrive Pet Healthcare partner TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois. “Annual veterinary exams are important because veterinarians can detect subtle signs of osteoarthritis early, allowing for treatment that can help slow the progression of the disease.”

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For pet owners, it can be challenging to identify signs of osteoarthritis. While dogs and cats both may exhibit similar symptoms like limping, difficulty jumping, and stiffness, there are some key differences. Dogs may show reduced activity levels, lag behind on walks, and struggle with going up or down stairs.

Cats often hide their pain and discomfort, making it harder to detect. Owners need to watch for subtle changes like difficulty climbing, reduced interest in chasing moving objects, litter box avoidance due to entry difficulties, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns.

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“You know your pet better than anyone,” said Dr Jurek. “Veterinarians rely on pet owners to observe their pets in their natural environment and report any changes in behaviour. This helps them to make a more accurate diagnosis.”

It is useful to keep a log of your pet’s behaviour and take videos of their movements to share with your veterinarian. Also look for behavioural changes such as increased vocalization or aggression, which may also indicate joint pain. These signs should not be misinterpreted or overlooked, Thrive Pet said.

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There are a number of treatments that veterinarians use to manage osteoarthritis pain in pets, often focusing on a multimodal approach to improve their quality of life. Treatments may include:

• Pain Management Therapies: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are often the first line of treatment for dogs and cats because they reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Other options include gabapentin, amantadine, and tramadol. These medications can be used in combination to provide better pain control.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for pets with osteoarthritis. Carrying excess weight puts stress on the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian can tailor a diet and exercise plan to help get your pet back to a healthy weight.
• Physical Therapy and Low-Impact Exercise: Regular, controlled exercise helps maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. For dogs, this can include swimming and gentle walks.
• Nutritional Supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage pain.
• Environmental Modifications: Making changes at home can help pets with osteoarthritis move around more comfortably. Some changes that can make a big difference include adding ramps for easier access to favourite spots, installing night lights around the home, providing extra padding and warmth in resting areas, or, for your cat, providing a low-entry litter box.
• Innovative Treatments: Librela (bedinvetmab injection) for dogs and Solensia (frunevetmab injection) for cats are treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. Your pet receives one monthly in-office dose from your veterinarian to help them live a more comfortable, active life.

SOURCE: PR Newswire

Caution: Information in news reports, press releases, or articles on TheSnout.in is not intended to serve as a medical opinion or advice. Do not attempt to treat yourself or your pets without consulting the appropriate medical professional.