Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital Offers Help for Pet Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect pets as they age, just as it affects people. Discomfort and problems with mobility can be treated, to improve your pet’s comfort and activity level. At Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital in Duarte, CA, we offer effective treatment of arthritis pain and stiffness in older animals.

Understanding Arthritis in Pets

Over time, the skeletal system of animals experiences normal wear and tear that causes deterioration in the structures of that system. This wearing away of cartilage and the bones themselves leads to inflammation, pain during movement, swelling of joint tissues, and stiffness. Veterinary treatment can help reduce inflammation and resulting pain, allowing older pets to enjoy comfortable, free movement again.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Both cats and dogs often hide their discomfort, so the signs of arthritis may be very subtle, until the damage to joints is quite severe. Your dog may walk with a stiff gait and be less eager to walk or play. You may notice your pet taking more time getting up from a lying down position. There may also be visible swelling of the joint. The discomfort may cause your pet to yelp during movement. In cats, you may notice your cat is less inclined to run or jump than in previous years. There may be lapses about using the litterbox, because of increased pain during movement. Animals may also groom a painful area excessively.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Your Duarte veterinarian will examine your pet for signs of discomfort and impaired movement. X-rays provide a view inside the body at the affected joints. Your vet may also do blood tests and ultrasound testing to determine the extent of damage caused by arthritis.

Treatment of Arthritis

Veterinary medicine offers a number of treatments for arthritis in pets. Specially formulated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful in relieving pain and stiffness. Steroid drugs and other medications can also be used for arthritis pain. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can be given on a daily basis to improve joint function. Physical therapy, cold laser therapy and acupuncture are other treatments for arthritis pain. Cats are less tolerant of pain medications and require thoughtful treatment. Your vet in Duarte can prescribe a number of safe & effective medications to help you cat manage arthritis pain.

Made Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital Your Veterinarian in Duarte

Dr. Zabihi and the team at Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital offer their experienced veterinary care for patients in Duarte, CA, and surrounding areas. We provide many services, including examinations, preventative care, dental care, diagnostics, surgery, dermatology, oncology, and pain management. Call Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital today at (626) 357-2251 for an appointment to learn about today’s new treatments for arthritis in pets.