Were you aware that September is Animal Pain Awareness Month?
Were you aware that September is Animal Pain Awareness Month? If not, today, we’re going to enlighten you on the subject. We’re going to cover the signs and symptoms of arthritis in pets. We’ll also discuss the best treatments for arthritis, such as underwater treatment, laser surgery, and medication. Finally, we’ll dive into how you can honor Animal Pain Awareness Month.
What IS Arthritis?
People, just like pets, experience arthritis. It’s common knowledge that this condition causes stiffness, aches, and joint pain, but what truly defines arthritis? What happens to an arthritic body? Cartilage is a substance that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. Cartilage allows the bones to move over and around each other without the body experiencing pain. A body becomes arthritic when the cartilage becomes damaged. An arthritic joint often becomes inflamed and painful.
In people, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. However, in pets, the most common form is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Mostly older or middle-aged pets experience arthritis. However, it can affect younger pets, especially if there has been an injury or trauma.
Signs/Symptoms
- Limping
- Reduced mobility – trouble running, jumping, getting in and out of the litterbox, getting on and off furniture, etc.
- Unnatural Posture
- Reduced Activity
- Biting, Licking, or Chewing the Affected Area
- Muscle Atrophy (decrease in muscle mass)
Risk factors include genetics, injury or trauma, and obesity.
Treatments
- Underwater Treadmill (UWT): Like a torn CCL, UWT will do wonders for a pet with arthritis. Aquatic therapy lessens pain, improves motion range, makes the tissue more connective, and much more!
- Anti-Inflammatory Laser Treatment: What this procedure does is enhance the speed, quality, and tensile strength of tissue repair, takes away inflammation and gives pain relief. Cold laser therapy benefits both dogs and cats.
- Pain Medication and Supplements: Cats and dogs can’t take the same medications as us, but there are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that are safe for our four-legged friends. There are also glucosamine supplements like Dasuquin Advanced and Adequan that support cartilage growth and prevent cartilage from breaking down.
How to Honor Animal Pain Awareness Month
One of the best ways to honor Animal Pain Awareness month is to, well, be aware. Pay close attention to your canine companion or feline friend to see if there have been any shifts in their behavior or if they are experiencing any pain. If so, set up an appointment with one of our experienced veterinarians. Just like staying healthy is vital for people, the same goes for pets. Keep up with their appointments, keep them vaccinated, spend quality time with them, and share this message.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!