Treatment in Columbia for Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Just like people, as our pets age, they can start to experience mobility issues, joint stiffness, and inflammation that can lead to arthritis. This can be difficult for pet parents to deal with, and knowing where to turn to get trusted veterinary care is important. At Columbia Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on providing treatment for arthritis in dogs and cats to help your pets continue to thrive.
With decades of experience caring for your furry friends, we offer the enthusiastic, professional service you and your pet deserve. Our empathetic team will listen to your needs and concerns and craft a plan of action catered to your pet's unique circumstances. If you're looking for pet osteoarthritis treatment in Columbia, PA, call us to schedule an appointment today!
CALL US: (717) 684-2285 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is Arthritis?
The cartilage and lining in a joint act as a cushion between the bones, and when they become injured or inflamed, the joint can no longer move as freely. This is referred to as arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, but the most common form in pets is osteoarthritis, which primarily affects the cartilage. Osteoarthritis mostly affects older pets due to daily wear and tear but can potentially show up at any age due to injury or certain risk factors.
As your pet ages, it's important to keep an eye out for signs that they are developing arthritis. Some of the signs that your pet has arthritis include:
- Difficulty going from lying down to standing
- Trouble or reluctance to go up stairs or jump onto a bed or couch
- Frequent licking at joints, which can indicate joint pain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Reluctance to play
- Limping or change in posture
- Change in behavior, such as lethargy or irritability
Diagnosing Arthritis
When you bring your pet into our office, our veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical examination. We may also take CT scans and x-rays to examine their bones and joints. Our veterinarian can also help determine how severe your pet's arthritis is and provide you with information on how it might progress. We consider factors such as your pet's age, breed, weight, and medical history. The symptoms of this disease may not be apparent in the early stages, but proactive steps can help bring your pet the pain relief they deserve.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
Although arthritis is not curable, symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. Our practice is proud to provide various treatments to help your pet find pain relief and improve their quality of life. A combination of medical treatment, exercise, and a good diet can help your pet stay out of pain and continue to live happily by your side. Some of our osteoarthritis treatment options include:
- Pain management: When we initially diagnose your pet with arthritis, we will likely recommend pain medication, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), to help control your pet's pain early on. This can be especially effective when combined with other forms of treatment or therapy.
- Adequan® Therapy: These joint injections can help protect the joint cartilage, promoting new cartilage formation and lubricating the joints.
- Laser therapy: This treatment uses light at specific frequencies to help reduce inflammation and pain as well as accelerate healing.
- Synovetin OA®: This innovative treatment uses microscopic radioactive particles to deactivate cells that cause pain, inflammation, and ongoing damage to joint cartilage.
FAQs About Arthritis in Dogs
If you're concerned about arthritis in your pet, it makes sense to have questions. Our trained veterinarians are here to answer all your questions about arthritis in dogs and cats, helping give you peace of mind that they are getting excellent care. Some common questions we get about arthritis include:
While arthritis is not entirely preventable, you can take steps to care for your pet's joint health from the moment you bring them home. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and offering a balanced diet can support your pet's joints, keeping them mobile for longer.
Arthritis can impact pets of all ages and breeds, but certain risk factors can make it more likely. Older pets are more prone to developing arthritis due to the natural aging process. Certain dog breeds, such as Great Danes, and cat breeds, such as Maine Coons, can be genetically predisposed to arthritis due to their size. Our vets will consider all your pet's risk factors when discussing arthritis with you.
There are many things you can do to support your pet with arthritis at home. A soft, well-padded bed can make laying down more comfortable. Having easy access to food and water with raised bowls can also be helpful, as can ramps or steps to help with elevation changes. Continuing gentle exercise will help maintain joint mobility.
Reliable Osteoarthritis Treatment in Columbia, PA
At Columbia Animal Hospital, we strive to offer the best care possible to your beloved companions. We take a caring and compassionate approach to treating arthritis in dogs and cats, helping your pet live a happy, long life by your side. Our veterinary team is proud to have a positive impact on the lives of pets and their families, and we hope to offer the same to you. For quality osteoarthritis treatment in Columbia, PA, call our office today.
CALL US: (717) 684-2285 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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