Arthritis

There may come a time when it may become harder and more painful for your pet to continue going on adventures with you. But that doesn’t mean they have to stop forever. Our team is here to help you create a pain management treatment plan to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. The less pain for your pet, the more adventures you can go on. To learn more about our arthritis treatments, give us a call at 403-242-0045.

How does my pet get arthritis?

As your pet ages, their joints may begin to wear and tear. This can cause your pet’s bones to rub together as the cartilage separating their bones begins to break down. The most common type of arthritis that affects pets is osteoarthritis. As arthritis develops, your pet may experience pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways we can manage and alleviate their pain. This is why we recommend bringing in senior pets twice a year, so we can detect and treat any symptoms they may have early on. Our team might recommend medication to reduce inflammation, exercises, or physical rehabilitation.

Are there any symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis can manifest in different ways for different pets. The best way to know is to bring them in for a visit to see one of our veterinarians. If you notice your pet starting to have trouble doing certain tasks, such as going up the stairs, this might be an early sign to bring them in for a checkup. Other common symptoms of arthritis in pets include:

• Wincing when touched
• Limping
• Stiff or swollen joints
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Fatigue