Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis can cause severe discomfort and prevent your pet from being active. At Costa Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA, we can accurately diagnose arthritis and provide the necessary treatment to help alleviate any pain your pet is experiencing. Along with that, we’ll create a care plan to mange certain symptoms, such as limping and lameness. Before visiting us, learn more about the causes of arthritis in pets below:
Symptoms of Arthritis in Pets
It may be challenging to determine if your pet has arthritis without a diagnosis, however, there are some symptoms he or she may exhibit. For example, your cat or dog may be limping or moving around stiffly. Not only that, but it might also have difficulty getting up, avoid stairs, and show signs of lameness in one or more legs. Pets with arthritis can also gain weight and snap or growl when sore areas are touched. If your pet is showing any signs of this disease, we recommend consulting with our veterinarians.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis can develop from wear and tear in your pet’s joints. As a result, he or she may have inflammation, which causes pain and stiffness. While the disease can also happen due to old age, it may occur from a previous injuries or surgery as well. In addition, excess weight can increase your pet’s risk of arthritis.
Diagnosing Arthritis in Pets
For a diagnosis, our veterinarians do a physical examination to figure out which joints are affected and the severity of the disease. We might also take imaging tests, such as X-rays. These tests allow us to review the affected joints in greater detail and determine how much damage has occurred. We can then rule out other conditions and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment for Arthritis in Pets
Treatment for arthritis will depend on its severity. Our veterinarians can help you manage mobility issues, pain, and inflammation. We may recommend medication or surgery if your pet’s condition is severe. Along with that, we might suggest changing his or her nutrition to improve its joints and reduce pain.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
Is your pet having difficulty getting up or exhibiting other signs of arthritis? At Costa Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA, we provide various treatments to ease your pet’s discomfort and improve its health. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, contact us at (949) 548-3794 today. When you need a veterinarian near me, we are ready to assist you!