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.
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