Arthritis is a common disease in pets that can cause pain and prevent them from being active. At North Hills Animal Hospital in Sherwood, AR, we provide a variety of treatments to alleviate the discomfort and improve your cat or dog’s health. Before scheduling your appointment, learn more about the symptoms of arthritis in pets below:
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Pets?
Arthritis gradually causes the cartilage between the joints to deteriorate. Once the cartilage wears down significantly, it won’t be able to provide ample cushioning. As a result, the bones will make direct contact and cause intense pain. If your pet has arthritis, he or she may be limping rather than walking. Your cat or dog might resort to limping to minimize the stress on the injured joint. Along with that, it may drag its foot to reduce the pain.
The inflammation and joint damage from arthritis can also prevent your pet from moving around altogether. If your furry friend has been walking slowly and not being active as usual, we recommend visiting our veterinarian as soon as possible.
Treatment for Arthritis in Pets
When you visit us, our vet will perform a physical exam and speak with you about your pet’s symptoms to confirm that it has arthritis. Afterward, we can recommend treatment that can help reduce its pain and improve its well-being.
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for pets with arthritis. Therapeutic exercises can strengthen your pet’s joints and minimize its ache. The exercises can teach your cat or dog to move around without experiencing significant discomfort. Our vet may also suggest weight management as part of your pet’s treatment plan. Keeping your pet’s weight under control will lower the stress on their joints. We will create a new diet that should be followed to help your pet maintain a healthy weight. If your pet has extreme arthritis, we may recommend medication or surgery.
Contact us for an Appointment Today!
If your pet is experiencing any symptoms of arthritis, our team at North Hills Animal Hospital in Sherwood, AR, is happy to help. To learn about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, call our office at (501) 835-3577. When you’re searching for a veterinarian near me, we are here to assist you!