What to Know About Arthritis in Dogs, Cats and Rabbits

Arthritis is a condition which causes inflammation in joints, which affects not only humans but our furry friends too. The condition causes pain, which often leads to a reduced desire for strenuous activities, changes in behaviour and extreme discomfort. In utilising our vet services, we can help with the important process of diagnosing and treating arthritis, to ensure your pet leads the most comfortable life possible.

Read on to learn about how we at Market Cross Veterinary Clinic can work with you to care for your arthritic pet.

Arthritis and Your Pet

Different animals can be affected by arthritis in complex and different ways. Read below to see how the condition can impact your pet.

Dogs

Also known as degenerative joint disease, arthritis commonly affects older dogs and their well-being. The condition is caused by the relationships between the weight which rests on joints and the joints themselves, meaning that even perfectly healthy dogs can suffer from it if the animal’s weight has been bearing on their joints for a prolonged amount of time. This is why older dogs are most frequently impacted by arthritis.

Cats

In cats, the term we usually use to refer to arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is when the cartilage that lines joints gets worn away and causes inflammation. Between 60% and 90% of older cats are affected by arthritis, making it extremely common. It is also much harder to diagnose in cats, as, unlike dogs, cats are much better at disguising pain. It is, however, important to monitor, as the stiffness may result in difficulties in caring for themselves. The pain can also mark changes in behaviour, making them irritable when handled or touched.

Rabbits

Surprisingly, even the smallest of our pets can suffer from arthritis. The majority of these animals aged 6 years or older will have some degree of arthritis. It is not, however, easy to diagnose in rabbits. Like cats, rabbits are very skilled at hiding pain. Some signs that your pet may have arthritis include aversion to steps, difficulty in grooming and fully emptying their bladder due to the discomfort of urinating. These issues can lead to later problems, for example, the matting of fur and bladder stones.



How We Can Help

Although there is no known cure, we can help ease the symptoms of pet arthritis through our attentive veterinary care. In diagnosing arthritis, we can perform X-rays to rule out other conditions, such as cancer. We can further recommend small adjustments, for example swapping steps to ramps, which will make a world of difference to your pet. Preventative measures can also be taken where appropriate, for example maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce strain on the joints. We are often able to perform home pet visits to reduce the need for your pet to make unnecessary straining movements.

We have provided various fact sheets on arthritis and your pet, which give guidance and information on what can cause the condition and how it can be eased. If you believe your pet may have arthritis, please contact us further for support.