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Here's Important Information About Arthritic Cats
Dog Arthritis And Cat Arthritis Are Serious Diseases, But There Are Pain-Relieving Treatments And Useful Alternative Therapies
Dog Arthritis treatments are more common than cat arthritis..simply because more dogs than cats are affilicted.
Diagnosis, is often made simply by reviewing the symptoms and complaints, just like it is with humans. Dog Arthritis Treatments...and cat arthritis treatments...are usually diagnosed by your answers to a Vet's questions. Of course, our pets can't speak for themselves. So it's up to you to answer your Vet's questions regarding symptoms. Your Vet will pay particular attention to your observations, such as: 1. Your dog is limping or favoring a limb. 2. Your dog seems "stiff" showing problems getting up or sitting down. 3. Your dog sleeps more. 4. Your dog seems less willing to run, jump or climb stairs. 5. Weight gain. 6. Less interest in being active or playing games, such as ball tossing or frisbee. 7. Your dog is less alert, and shows signs of discomfort or pain.
Cat symptoms are similar...Cat Arthritis - In addition to the symptoms, above, here are a few symptoms of cat arthritis.It is common to also see a change in your cat's behavior. This may include your cat being more aggressive. This is often a symptom of pain.Most important, your cat will probably show less interest in regular activities such as playing or hunting. WARNING: Do not medicate your cat yourself. NSAIDS, the medication used for dogs is toxic for cats. One Tylenol, for example, can KILL a cat.After examination, your Vet may require X rays (radiographs) of the joints to diagnose the condition, assess damage, or make a baseline study.
Major Therapies include:1. Weight Control - Make certain that your pet is not overweight.Yes, we tend to overfeed our pets, just as we overfeed ourselves. Arthritis in pets, causes pain, and our pets tend to decrease their activity, just like humans. As your pet's activity level slows, you must adjust the amount of food you offer. One pet lover we know adds low calorie vegetables as a means of keeping her pet's waistline slim while giving the animal the volume of feed it seeks. 2. Do not overexercise the joint. If your dog has arthritis in the hip, do not continue jogging...Instead, take long walks or use hydrotherapy (swimming pool), if available. 3. Watch out for slippery floors and stairs. Use rugs and anti-slip pads where necessary to make getting up and down easier. Install a runner carpet to steps used by your pet to make it easier and safer to go up and down. 4. Provide sleeping mats and pads. Heated mats are available, and may provide welcome relief. 5. The most common medication your VET may prescribe is an NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The new generation of NSAIDs your Vet may use, must be carefully monitored, but these medications are highly effective at relieving swelling and pain. 6. Alternative Remedies that seem helpful: Over the counter pills containing glucosamine and chondrotin. Recent research shows these supplements are valuable. Your VET will help regulate the dosage for your pet's weight. 7. Alternative Remedy: Food or pills containing Omega 3 fatty acids. The National Institutes of Health have been studying these substance for human use, and there appears to be some benefit. Food sources include: fatty fish such as salmon, grains such as Flax Seed. An estimated 25% of all cats over the age of 8 suffer from arthritis. Like human arthritis, dog arthritis and cat arthritis has many types. Sometimes the affliction waxes and wanes. Your best bet is to make your pet as comfortable as possible, medicate when necessary, and keep your pet active with distractions that both you and the pet love. Staying active and involved is always good for your health, and it's good for your pet's health as well. Provide comforts like a soft and warm place to sleep...it will make your pet's life far more enjoyable. Watch what Dr. Sam Meisler, DVM has to say about treating arthritis in dogs. I think this is a valuable summary.
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