Stiff? Limping? Struggling with stairs?

We’ve all seen the old dog struggling to do a circuit of the park – aches, pains and stiffness are common problems in older pets, but are not normal! Injuries or just wear and tear over the years can result in damage to joints. The cartilage that lines joints and allows them to move smoothly gets worn away resulting in sore creaky and swollen joints.

Pets with joint problems may be stiff after rest, lame when walking or just generally slow and reluctant to move. Cats may be even more sedentary than normal and may have problems grooming themselves resulting in a poor coat.

Simple steps to improve your pet's stiffness

1. REDUCE THE WEIGHT - aim at a slight underweight.
Take any excess weight off old joints by ensuring that your pet is the correct weight.

2. STEADY GENTLE EXERCISE - Most stiff pets will benefit from doing some exercise – it’s important to keep old joints mobile and to keep the weight down. Several short periods of steady exercise a day are best. If the back legs are affected try a long steady walk downhill daily and get a lift back up. If the front legs are affected a long steady walk uphill daily is the best exercise.

3. AVOID STAIRS - they are not designed for pets! - Climbing stairs puts great strain on the back legs. Running down stairs severely strains the front legs. A determined pet will not give up the status of going upstairs just because it hurts! You can help by moving your pet’s bed downstairs or using a child's stair gate to prevent access.

4. A COMFORTABLE BED - A comfy place to lie is important – older pets benefit form a warm draught free and supportive bed. Ask us about Vetbed and orthopaedic beds for pets!

5. SWIMMING -  If your pet likes water then swimming can help build up muscle without stressing damaged joints. There are now several pet hydrotherapy facilities in Lancashire. If your pet is swimming in a river or open water make sure there is an easy access ramp for getting back out of the water. Ask at reception for advice on swimming for dogs.

Medical Treatment

1. X -RAYS - are a great help accurate diagnosis and monitoring progress.

2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Most arthritic pets will also require some medication to control their pain and the progression of the disease. Regular anti-inflammatory medication such as Rimadyl tablets or Metacam drops will control arthritis pain and allow a more normal life. These drugs work like magic in most dogs.

3. JOINT REPAIR - Cartrophen is an injection for arthritis that can actually help to heal damaged joints by renewing the cartilage. A course of 4 weekly injections can make a dramatic difference to a stiff pet. Many of our human clients ask if they can have some too (not yet available for people I’m afraid)

4. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS - Many people take nutritional supplements to help with their own joint problems and these are now also available for our furry friends. They contain substances like chondroitin and glucosamine to help joints to repair themselves. Ask the vet about “Synoquin” and “Flexivet” supplements.