A few statistics:
70% of dogs over 8 years and 90% of cats over 12 years will develop it.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in small animals. It is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in the joints, limiting their natural movement.
The first symptoms can be subtle and are often attributed by owners to normal aging. Yet osteoarthritis is a real, painful, inflammatory, degenerative and limiting condition, which has a direct effect on pets’ quality of life.
Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Dogs: stiffness, slower pace during walks or exercise, difficulty getting up and down, reluctance to climb stairs, jump into the car or get into bed, limping after exercise, etc.
- Cats: the symptoms are more subtle. They are reluctant to jump on surfaces, spend less time on windowsills, play less, sleep longer, hide more, wash less, have difficulty getting into the litter box, develop uncleanliness, and so on.
If you notice these signs, don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation. Many medications and supplements can relieve your pet’s pain and give them a better quality of life.