Spinal Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Spinal Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
A pet is a part of the family, and as they age, they are more prone to health problems. Spinal arthritis in dogs and cats is a big concern. Although usually attributed to the aging process, the crippling pain and inflammation associated with this disease can strike your canine or feline friend at any age. It is important to understand what spinal arthritis is in order to get your pet the help they need to live a long and happy life.
Spinal arthritis is caused by inflammation in the discs and joints of the animal’s spine. Not unlike human arthritis, this leads to pain, difficulty with certain movements and activities, and a general lethargic nature. Running, climbing stairs and playing causes the animal pain, and they may begin to avoid these activities altogether. Cold weather tends to exacerbate the symptoms, and morning stiffness is common.
It can be difficult to witness a beloved pet suffering. Many dogs and cats are born predisposed to spinal arthritis. For others, it is caused by excessive exercise, obesity or injury. Whatever the cause, seeing your pet struggle to run and play or climb the stairs is difficult for any pet owner. While there is no cure-all for spinal arthritis, fortunately there are treatments, therapies and medications that can help control the pain and slow the degenerative nature of the disease.
Before a veterinarian will begin a treatment plan, they will need to conclusively diagnose arthritis in the animal. This is generally done by a series of x-rays and movement tests, although in some cases an MRI may be done to reveal exactly where the damage lies. It is helpful to keep a journal of symptoms in the days or weeks proceeding your diagnostic visit, and share these with your vet. Things such as length of symptoms, time of day symptoms occur, and the severity of your animal’s pain can be invaluable to making an accurate diagnosis.
Once spinal arthritis is confirmed, your veterinarian will offer strategies to manage the pain and increase activities. This is usually done by prescribing an NSAID pain medication helpful in reducing inflammation. The vet may also suggest exercise, which helps by keeping the joints limber. If obesity is an underlying cause of the arthritis, a weight management plan may help, as excess weight being put on the affected joints can lead to increased pain.
Many pet owners also turn to pet supplements to help their dog or cat feel better. Glucosamine and chondroitin are extremely helpful in rebuilding cartilage lose due to spinal arthritis, and there is evidence that the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help reduce inflammation. Whether you choose a vet’s treatment plan, a natural supplement approach or a combination of both, managing the pain and stiffness caused by spinal arthritis in your dog or cat is the most important thing. With proper care, nutrition and exercise, your pet will feel their best despite the crippling complications of untreated spinal arthritis. Also Check out our page on Spinal Arthritis Treatment.