Like people, animals can experience the wear and tear on joints that comes with age. Osteoarthritis can wear away the protective cartilage in the joints, which can result in pain and problems with mobility. Fortunately, our veterinarian can offer different treatments to help your pet be more comfortable. At Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic in York, Ontario, we offer effective treatments for pets with arthritis. We serve the York, ON, North York, ON, Midtown York, ON, and Toronto, ON, areas.
Understanding Arthritis in Pets
As the cartilage that cushions the bones wears down, pets can experience a number of symptoms that indicate their mobility is being impaired. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that worsens over time, which means that good management can improve your pet’s quality of life. Both dogs and cats can suffer from arthritis, but animals often cover their discomfort, so the problem may be more severe than the pet owners might think.
Symptoms of Arthritis
You may notice your pet has difficulty getting up from a lying position and the animal may groan on moving or may lick at the affected joint to soothe it. Your pet may be less willing to play or go for walks. Climbing stairs may be difficult for them. The muscles in the affected area may lose tone and strength. You may even hear crunching sounds when your pet moves, which comes from the bones scraping against other bones in the joint. Your pet may gain weight from lack of activity or may seem depressed.
Treatments for Pet Arthritis
A number of medications are used to reduce pain from osteoarthritis in pets. These medications may be prescribed to also help reduce swelling and inflammation. We can also recommend lifestyle changes to help make sure that your pet’s arthritis is triggered as little as possible. We might also recommend a certain type of diet to reduce your pet’s weight or otherwise help make sure that he is healthy.
Get Pet Care Services from Our Veterinarian at Our Veterinary Clinic in Ontario
Dr. Aarabi and our team at Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic use training and experience to maintain the health of pets in the York, ON, North York, ON, Midtown York, ON, and Toronto, ON, areas. Our veterinary clinic offers many pet care services for pets, including preventative care, vaccinations, surgery, dental care, and more. Contact us at Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic today at (647) 352-2201 for an appointment to learn about our treatments for managing arthritis in pets.
