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Articulares y huesos

Arthritis (osteoarthritis)

Chronic degeneration of the joint cartilage. It causes pain and stiffness. Very common in older animals, but greatly underdiagnosed in cats (they hide their pain).

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Stiffness when getting up, especially in cold weather or after resting
  • • Lameness or a change in the way they walk
  • • Less inclined to play, jump or climb stairs
  • • In cats: they stop jumping up to high places and groom themselves less
  • • Mood changes, irritability caused by pain

Causes

Wear of the cartilage with age, a consequence of dysplasia or previous joint injuries, being overweight (greatly accelerates the wear).

Diagnosis

Physical examination + X-rays. The vet assesses which joints are affected and to what degree.

Treatment

Lifelong management: weight control (the most important thing), moderate and regular exercise, chondroprotectants, anti-inflammatories/painkillers as prescribed by the vet, physiotherapy, orthopaedic beds. NEVER give human anti-inflammatories — they are toxic.

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight throughout life, regular and appropriate exercise, treat joint injuries promptly.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your older pet moves stiffly, is lame or has stopped doing things it used to do. Chronic joint pain is treatable: it is not "just old age".

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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