The signs of your pet getting older begin with the fact it can no longer jump onto its favorite resting place. Your pet’s joints may have developed arthritis, and the cartilage has begun to deteriorate. Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, can diagnose pet arthritis and create a treatment plan for your pet.
What is Pet Arthritis?
The cartilage inside your pet’s joints begins to thin and slowly deteriorate as it gets older. The joint's enzymes are released and cause joint inflammation as fluid builds up. Your pet will slowly become less active than it used to be.
How to Diagnose Pet Arthritis
Some pet owners feel that the development of arthritis in their pet’s joints is a natural sign of the aging process. You should not ignore the symptoms of the disease, though. The advancement of veterinary medicine makes treating pet arthritis very viable today.
A veterinarian will examine the joints to determine your pet’s pain level when trying to diagnose arthritis. They may sometimes request a blood test or X-rays to rule out other diseases like bone cancer. Your veterinarian will be able to confirm the condition of your pet’s joints and create a treatment plan for it.
The symptoms of pet arthritis will slowly start as the joint's condition worsens over time. You may fail to identify the early stages of the disease. Pet owners usually notice their pet’s discomfort when moving around too late, as arthritis has progressed through its joints.
Treating Pet Arthritis
There is no cure for pet arthritis, but your pet can still live comfortably with the right treatment plan. All available treatment options can minimize your pet’s pain and allow it to be active in the home or yard. Weekly joint massages can help stimulate blood flow in a pet's injured joints. Changes to your pet’s daily routine will help it live a long and happy life. You can also install ramps to make its trek onto the couch or other furniture easier.
See Your San Diego, CA, Veterinarian for Pet Arthritis Treatment Today
It can be difficult to see your pet struggle with arthritis in its old age, but Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, is here to help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout its old age. Call us today at (858) 292-6116 to schedule an appointment if you believe your pet may be suffering from arthritis. Our treatment program will provide immediate relief and improve your pet's quality of life.
