Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease causes pain, loss of mobility and decreased quality of life. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs and cats (Yes cats! They are just better at hiding it).
Symptoms include:
- Inability to jump and play
- Difficulty going up or down stairs
- Difficulty rising or stiff after rest
- Difficulty toileting and /or using the litter tray
- Trouble grooming or poor coat condition
- Aggressive behaviour when touched, approached or moved due to pain
- Change of rest locations
- Cats- withdrawn and quiet
Thankfully there are many options available to help your pet maintain better quality of life and enjoy life again. Prevention is also important and therefore it is vital to keep your pet slim and trim. Extra weight causes more strain on joints and overweight animals are less active which leads to muscle wastage. Please call for a consultation with one of our weight management nurses, who can tailor a program for your pet.
Medications like anti-inflammatories and a course of pentosan (4 weekly injections) can be very effective at controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Supplements like 4cyte (consists of glucosamine, chondroitin, NZ green lipped mussel and epitalis- a natural anti-inflammatory from pine cones) and turmeric can be very helpful to joint health.
Please ask us about a new medication registered for pain management which can be used in addition to anti- inflammatories keeping your pet’s kidneys safer. If you have any concerns about your pets mobility please
Book online https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-charlestown-vet/ or ring 49436066 and https://www.lakevet.com.au/book-online-belmont-vet/ or ring 49459677 to see one of our friendly veterinarians to help your pet feel more comfortable.
4CYTE EPIITALIS Forte Gel for Cats is a premium daily feed supplement for the treatment of acute joint disease, injury and pain.
Royal Canin Vet Diet Canine Mobility C2P+ 2kg
A complete dry food formulated to maintain mobility and joint health in dogs with osteoarthritis.
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