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Arthritis In Pets

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease and causes inflammation of the joints. Swelling, pain, and inflammation are all the results of the cartilage lining in joints being worn down. Poor structure, development, or even disease can cause the cartilage lining to become worn down. Obese pets or those with unusual gaits tend to develop arthritis as well. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from arthritis and you are searching for a "veterinarian near me," give us a call here at The Cat Practice. Our clinic is located in Oak Park, IL. 

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Signs to Watch for

Symptoms of arthritis in pets include:

  • Slowness or stiffness when getting up or down or after rest
  • Hard time going up or down the stairs (cats are no longer able to jump)
  • A decrease in activity or more reluctant to exercise
  • Drags back legs and has toenails that are worn

After resting, the pain associated with arthritis is often worse. It also gets worse with cold weather and extreme exercise as well. 

Managing Arthritis

There is no cure for arthritis in pets. It is important for pet owners to know how to safely manage their pet’s condition. The progression of arthritis can be slowed down with proper management.

Being able to control your pet’s weight is vital, since excessive weight will only add pressure to the affected joints. Exercise that is gentle, as well as calorie-restricted diets, are beneficial for maintaining an ideal weight in your pet.

Omega 3 fatty acids are great for blocking inflammation within the joints that results in pain. They are also great for slowing down the progression of arthritis. Many veterinary diets include Omega 3 fatty acids.  

There are a variety of veterinary products available over the counter that you can purchase to help increase joint fluid production as well as blood to the joints. Pentosan polysulphate is just one of the medications that have been proven to slow the progression down and help control symptoms associated with arthritis. 

Another good product to consider is Green Lipped Mussel, which provides excellent results in helping manage arthritis. It helps reduce both pain and inflammation in the joints and allows for the production of healthy joint cartilage. 

Contact Us

If you are looking for a "veterinarian near me," contact us here at The Cat Practice in Oak Park, IL, to schedule an appointment with one of our vets today. Your pets don’t have to suffer any longer from arthritis. Instead, let us provide you with the tools you need to manage their condition effectively.