Arthritis and Your Pet

Is Your Best Friend in Pain?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting an estimated 20% of adult dogs. They can suffer from this painful, degenerative joint disease, and reduce mobility and quality of life.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that inflames and erodes joint cartilage. Without the cushioning and lubricating effect of healthy cartilage, the joint becomes painful and disabled. Arthritis may develop because of an inherited malformation, an old injury, infection, or from normal wear and tear.

Diagnosis of arthritis

A diagnosis of arthritis requires a thorough physical examination combined with a detailed history. X-rays are necessary in the majority of cases to confirm the diagnosis. Your pet may need to be sedated for proper positioning to insure accurate radiographs.

The pain associated with arthritis, and the stiffness and lameness they cause, can be overcome. If you have any questions about your pet’s discomfort, please ask one of our doctors. We can help your best friend put quality of life ahead of his pain. Our doctors have multiple treatment options that can be very helpful in slowing down the degenerative process.