Oh my aching back!

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can affect pets and pet owners alike. In humans it is most often associated with infectious or autoimmune causes. In pets it is more frequently due to developmental degenerative disease or by direct injury to a joint. This is more common in elderly dogs and cats because their longevity has given them more opportunities for an injury that could result in arthritis. It is also found more often in overweight pets because they are putting more weight on their joints.

The most common direct causes of arthritis in pets are hip or elbow dysplasia. These conditions are found most often in large, fast-growing dogs. Nevertheless, arthritis does occur in smaller dogs and cats as well. Healthy joints are made up of cartilage and soft connective tissue providing smooth movement and absorbing the shock of a hard landing. When this cushion of cartilage and soft tissue takes a beating from activities, it becomes inflamed and painful. When I see my 12-year-old lab, Vida, get up from a nap, it is easy to see that she is feeling pain in her hips. Other things to watch for are lameness, stiffness, trouble navigating stairs, hesitation before jumping, falling on slippery floors, difficulty getting comfortable, or being restless at night.

Pets with arthritis can be given an anti-inflammatory drug such as buffered aspirin. Never assume that you can guess at how much to give your pet. Always consult your veterinarian first because many anti-inflammatory drugs given at the recommended level for humans will be toxic in pets.

Light exercise is helpful for an arthritic pet. Swimming is probably the best form of exercise but finding a place for your pet to swim is not easy especially in the middle of a nasty New York winter. Some vet offices actually have tubs for exercising a dog with arthritic pain.
Once the pain has been addressed with the proper dose of an anti-inflammation drug, the animal's weight needs to be carefully monitored. The heavier the animal, the more stress is placed on those joints. Just one more reason to be sure your pet does not become overweight. In very severe cases, there are some surgical procedures that can be explored with your vet. In some cases a total hip replacement or the removal of bone and cartilage fragments may be in order.

Next week watch for my discussion of hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease in elderly dogs and cats.

A Reminder. . .
Commemorative bricks for the entrance to the new shelter are still available until the end of February. It is a great way to support the new shelter and a poignant way to honor a pet. The cost is $50 per brick. For more information call 885-4133 or visit the Saratoga County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov.