Arthritis Can Strike Our Furry Family Members

Symptoms:

Trouble or difficulty climbing stairs, getting up, sitting or standing
Appears to move with difficulty
Delays or procrastinates to climb stairs, jump or run
Decline in activity
Uses one leg more than another

What Causes Arthritis?

It is the inflammation of a joint. It can affect humans, animals, male, female – no matter what age. It is common in large older dogs, but can also affect small young dogs due to injuries and/or accidents.

The most common arthritis in dogs and cats is osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. This is the wearing away of the cartilage from the bone. When this happens, the bones grind against each other causing a painful friction.

Hip dysplasia is also categorized as a degenerative joint disease. This starts to develop as a young pup. In normal hips, the ball or femoral head, fits into the socket part working together rotating properly and smoothly. Where hip dysplasia comes to effect is when the ball does not fit properly in the socket and rubs against the edge or rim of the socket causing the bone to thin.

Another type of arthritis is inflammatory joint disease. This is not as common. It is caused by bacteria and fungal infection.

Here’s What You Can Do For Cats and Dogs

Joint Supplements

Glucosamine and Chondroitin can help repair damaged cartilage and lubricate joints. These supplements can be found in pet and health stores and you can also buy food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin.

A supplement that combines them both is called cosequin. You can get this from your vet. Ask your vet for recommended doses.

Another supplement to check out because of its glucosamine-like components is Glyco-Flex.

Herbal Remedy

Give an herbal combination called Mobility 2. Available in tablet form, this is available from your vet.

Massage

You can use a massage technique called effleurage. This technique uses slow, strong strokes starting at the head massaging down to the tail. When your pet looks to be relaxed, touch your finger tips together and rub the muscles along their spine in a circular motion.

Vitamins

Vitamin C and E help decrease irritation in the joints and preserve the cartilage.

Recommended Vitamin Doses for Cats and Dogs:

Less than 15 lbs – 10 IU (international units)

15 to 50 lbs – 20 IU

Over 50 lbs – 30 IU

Acupressure

Here is a list of pressure points that could help your pet:

BL-60 (Bladder 60) located outside of the rear ankle. This is a good spot to hit up to a couple times a day if your pet shows any pain.
BL-54 (Bladder 54) forms with the two points below in a shape of a triangle, this point being the top point of the triangle around the hip joint.
GB-29 (Gall Bladder 29) dimple located in the forepart of the hip joint.
GB-30 (Gall Bladder 30) dimple located at the back of the hip joint.

Light Exercise

Start out with short walks and nice-and-easy exercise. Set out to walk and exercise 5 minutes reaching up to 20 minutes.

Other Things to Be Aware Of

Swimming is a great way for dogs to exercise arthritic joints. Hydrotherapy is a low impact exercise that relieves pain and increases blood circulation.

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References:Shojai, Amy D and the editors of Prevention for Pets. New Choices in Natural Healing For Dogs & Cats: Over 1,000 At-Home Remedies for Your Pet’s Problems. Emmaus, PA:Rodale Press, Inc., 1999.