Our pets suffer from many illnesses and ailments common to people, especially as they age. While most common in older pets, in some circumstances even young animals can suffer from arthritis. Arthritis most commonly arises from wear and tear on the cartilage, which is the fibrous tissue that acts as a cushion between bones in a joint. Joints that do not form properly while a puppy or kitten is growing, and some injuries can also lead to arthritis. A pet that suffers from arthrits may have problems throughout the year, but cold, damp winter weather can make the pain worse.

The best way to diagnose arthritis is through x-rays. An arthritic joint will be roughened and thickened, and in severe cases the joint may become dislocated. Some animals with even severe arthritis may not have obvious symptoms, but some of the most common evidence that you pet may have arthritis is stiffness, being slow to get up after sleeping or lying down for a while, reluctance to walk or jump, and severe soreness after vigorous exercise. Certainly it is common for older cats and dogs to not be as active, but pain and stiffness is not a normal sign of aging. For example, a cat with arthritis may be reluctant to jump up on the counter to reach his food bowl. If you suspect your pet may have arthritis, you should have them examined and discuss the many options for treatment to help keep them comfortable.

One of the most common treatments we use in arthritic pets is a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine is an important building block of cartilage, while chondrointin sulfate is a nutrient which helps slow the breakdown of cartilage. Both of these nutrients are very safe, and may be all that is needed for pets with mild arthritis. Another option is injectable glycosaminoglycans, commonly known as Adequan. Adequan helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and also increases the amount of fluid in the joints and it's viscocity, which helps the joints move more smoothly. It is given as a series of injections initially, and then once every few weeks as maintenance. Another commonly used calss of drugs is non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Aspirin is the best known member of this class, but it can cause ulcers and stomach upset in dogs (it should not be used without the supervision of a veterinarian in cats, because it can be very dangerous). There are several new NSAIDs that can be used in dogs that have fewer side effects and are more effective than aspirin.

Physical therapy is also very helpful in the treatment of arthritis, by keeping muscles strong and helping to prevent joints from becoming stiff. This can include moving the joints gently through their range of motion for 3-5 minutes several times a day, moderate walking, and swimming. Swimming is an excellent exercise for pets with arthritis because there is little stress on the joints (although dogs enjoy swimming much more than cats!) Strenuous exercise and rough play can make arthritis pain worse, so they should be avoided. When an arthritic pet is stiff and sore, gentle massage and warm compresses can be used, though care should be used to avoid burns.