ARTHRITIS
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The bony surfaces of a normal joint are covered with a layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with joint fluid. The two surfaces glide over one another. In arthritis, the cartilage changes or becomes damaged so that it is less smooth and the bony surfaces rub together causing pain and further damage to the cartilage.
Is your dog or cat:
§sleeping more and/or is less active than before?
§lagging behind on walks?
§less willing to jump up or down?
§limping or lame?
§finding it difficult climbing stairs or jumping into the car?
§having difficulty getting in or out of the cat/dog flap?
§playing less?
§avoiding being stroked?
§spending less time grooming so has a scruffy coat?
§having accidents outside the litter tray/inside the house?
§showing fewer signs of contentment like purring and attention seeking?
Please note that most cats will not show obvious signs of arthritis.
Managing arthritis
§FOOD : joint diets and weight management
§SUPPLEMENTS : most contain glucosamine and chondroitin
§EXERCISE : regular, short, controlled walks and swimming
§ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION
§Soft, warm beds and low-sided litter trays
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The bony surfaces of a normal joint are covered with a layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with joint fluid. The two surfaces glide over one another. In arthritis, the cartilage changes or becomes damaged so that it is less smooth and the bony surfaces rub together causing pain and further damage to the cartilage.
Is your dog or cat:
§sleeping more and/or is less active than before?
§lagging behind on walks?
§less willing to jump up or down?
§limping or lame?
§finding it difficult climbing stairs or jumping into the car?
§having difficulty getting in or out of the cat/dog flap?
§playing less?
§avoiding being stroked?
§spending less time grooming so has a scruffy coat?
§having accidents outside the litter tray/inside the house?
§showing fewer signs of contentment like purring and attention seeking?
Please note that most cats will not show obvious signs of arthritis.
Managing arthritis
§FOOD : joint diets and weight management
§SUPPLEMENTS : most contain glucosamine and chondroitin
§EXERCISE : regular, short, controlled walks and swimming
§ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION
§Soft, warm beds and low-sided litter trays
