Treating Pet Arthritis in Asbury Park, NJ
As your pets get older, you may notice it’s harder for them to get up. Pet arthritis is a common health issue for cats and dogs. If your pet has trouble walking up and down the stairs, jumping off the couch or limps, the degenerative joint disease of osteoarthritis could be their issue. City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital team will help diagnose and treat your dog or cat for pet arthritis in Asbury Park, NJ. Contact us for an appointment to get started on treatment.
What Causes Arthritis in Dogs and Cats?
The cartilage at the end of the bones in dogs and cats works to cushion the impact when animals walk, jump, or make active motions. Cartilage naturally erodes and weakens over time, leading to pain and inflammation. Arthritis may also be caused by:
- Extra weight putting pressure on the joints
- Hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia
- A fracture in the joint area
- Weakened or torn knee ligaments
Symptoms of Arthritis in Cats and Dogs
- Symptoms of arthritis in animals include:
- Stiff limbs
- Limping and favoring a limb
- Sleeping more
- Licking a problematic joint
- Increased irritability
- Weight gain
- Decreased activity
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a progressive issue that gets worse with time. To keep your animal’s joints as healthy as possible, it’s important to feed them the proper diet, get enough exercise, and give them protective joint supplements. City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital treats pets with arthritis by controlling their pain and working to decrease inflammation in the joints. We’ll use different therapies for the optimal health of the joints. Other treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs and cats include:
- Weight control with diet changes
- Modify their activities to slow-impact exercise
- Rehabilitation with therapeutic and aqua therapy exercise
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Surgical management for ligament tears, joint replacements, or femoral head and neck excisions
Ways to Help Your Pet Fight Arthritis
You can help your pet fight arthritis by:
- Controlling Exercise –Encourage movement on softer surfaces and in water to help joint mobility and weight control
- Weight Management –Help your pet’s weight by feeding them proper portion sizes.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements – Natural supplements have compounds that help anti-inflammatory activity even when your pet isn’t showing pain symptoms.
- Fatty Acids –Essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation, maintain skin and coat health, and boost gastrointestinal health.
- Cushioned Support –Give your animal an orthopedic bed for extra cushioning.
Are You Worried Your Dog or Cat Might Have Arthritis?
The good news is that we can treat your dog or cat’s arthritis. We can help boost their quality of life with a multifaceted, effective approach to degenerative disease. We’ll help provide relief from the inflammation and pain. Your pet doesn’t have to live in pain for the rest of its life.
Make an Appointment at City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital
City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital is open Monday through Saturday for your convenience. Our team is always here to ensure your pet is in optimal health and take care of its every need. We offer comprehensive pet services, including arthritis diagnosis and treatment. We want your pet to live the best life possible. Contact us today for an appointment!