Jenny's Jottings: Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is very common in cats and dogs. Older animals and those that have had joint injuries are particularly susceptible. It is often at this time of year when the weather becomes cold and damp that the signs are most noticeable.

In dogs, one of the most common signs of arthritis is stiffness when trying to rise. In mild cases, this stiffness can wear off after a short period of activity. In more severe cases, the stiffness and lameness can be persistent. Muscle wastage may also be a sign.

In cats, the most common signs of arthritis are an unwillingness to jump and a reduced height of jumping. A cat may also become aggressive when handled. Another frequent sign is sudden inappropriate toileting outside the litter tray. Reduced activity is often put down to age but this and stiffness can be a sign that the cat actually finds movement uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, there are a number of ways we can manage the disease.

Weight control is very important. Excess weight puts added strain on the joints. This not only leads to increased pain but can also accelerate joint deterioration. So if an animal is overweight and arthritic then achieving an ideal weight will help tremendously. Sometimes this is all that is needed to control the discomfort of arthritis.

Controlled exercise is also important, particularly in the dog. Shorter, more frequent walks are often much better than one long one, and low impact exercise such as swimming can also be beneficial. There are special hydrotherapy pools available for dogs.

If controlling weight and exercise is still not enough to prevent discomfort, there are supplements and medication that can be discussed with your vet. These come in a variety of forms including specially formulated diets.

The symptoms of arthritis can easily be taken as a normal process of ageing. But we must remember that it is a painful condition that should be treated. Watch out for the signs this winter and you could catch them early!

By Jenny Jones BVM&S MRCVS, vet at Borrajo’s Veterinary Clinics.