Osteoarthritis in Cats and Dogs

An estimated 6.5 million dogs in the UK are suffering from osteoarthritis and the number of pets diagnosed in the last 10 years has increased, which is thought to be linked in the increasing number of obese pets. Certain breeds of dogs and cats are quite commonly affected by inherited anatomical joint disorders (e.g. hip dysplasia) and osteoarthritis may develop as a consequence of the abnormal joint alignment.

What is it?

Aka degenerative joint disease it is the wear and tear of synovial (movable) joints.  It is caused by the erosion of cartilage in joints and increases with age.  It is not curable but can be managed to reduce further pain and erosion.

Symptoms:

A common early warning sign of osteoarthritis is a reduction in your pet’s activity level, or an aversion to certain physical activities. Other early warning signs include:

• Difficulty getting up from a prone position
• Difficulty climbing stairs/getting in or out of a car
• Reduced play or exercise time
• Lying down more than usual
• Stiffness or lameness that disappears with exercise
• Persistent limping or lameness

It is harder to spot the symptoms in cats and so many do go undiagnosed.

Management:

• Exercise- short and often. 10 minute walks 4 times a day is more beneficial than an hour walk once a day.
• Visit your vet for anti-inflammatory drugs
• Hydrotherapy is good as it has the benefits of exercise and aids weight loss but doesn't but the strain of body weight on the joints.
• WEIGHT MANAGEMENT- the most important because the decrease in exercise levels will cause weight gain and that puts more pressure on joints causing more pain and as the diagram above portrays it is a vicious cycle.
• Supplements: There is a huge variety of supplements available for both dogs and cats, but the ones most widely regarded as being beneficial are those that contain glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and/or essential fatty acids. Glucosamine and chondroitin are normal constituents of articular cartilage and are essential for the repair of joints, whilst essential fatty acids have a general anti-inflammatory effect. These products are most commonly available in the form of tablets or capsules, but there are a few special 'osteoarthritis diets' available for both dogs and cats which are designed as complete foods. Green lipped muscles from New Zealand have also been proven very effective.
• Cats are more difficult to manage but often have a tendency just to do what they feel like when it comes to exercise. Jumping up can be difficult in cats with osteoarthritis, so have everything your cat needs (food, water, litter tray) at ground level.

Always keep a close eye on your pets behaviour and if any signs of osteoarthritis go to your vets and if you have been diagnosed keep a close eye as well as anti-inflammatory drugs may need higher dosages later on in your pets life.

Holidays

On my last bit of work experience on Friday we had 2 cases of post holiday problems.  We had a dog with kennel cough and a cat that was very stressed after being at a new cattery. So I thought I would do a post on the advantages and disadvantages of leaving your pet and different options of doing so.

Advantages:

• If travelling abroad other countries are quite strict on animals and it is a lot of hassle.
• Saves long stressful journeys for your pet.
• Some pets such as horses you cannot realistically take on holiday.
• Gives you a holiday from looking after your pet, sometimes after looking after your pet 24:7 a break can be nice!
• It is quite costly taking your pet places.
• Some places have no pets policies.

Disadvantages:

• Of course you will miss your pet.
• Finding it somewhere to go.
• Some pets have separation anxiety issues and find it very hard to be left.
• A change in daily routine or surroundings could be stressful for your pet.
• Kennels may expose your pet to microorganisms-kennel cough etc.

Friend/Neighbour/Family: You could leave your pets with neighbours, friends or family which would be cheaper than kennels and less stressful for your pet as they have a familiar face but make sure your pet is micro chipped if possible and leave with them your vets and your number in case anything was to happen.  It is useful for whoever you are trusting does have some experience with which ever type of animal you are leaving with them so they could spot if anything was wrong.

Boarding kennels/cattery: As long as you have an accredited/reputable one these are very good at spotting any potential problems. (The one I did work experience at took a dog to the vets the prior week as it had suffered a stroke!).  They do ask that your pet is fully up to date with vaccinations.  The one I was at did not insist on the kennel cough vaccine (but as it was a live vaccine it had to be done 3 weeks prior to arrival) but I would recommend you vaccinate your dog against kennel cough if it has contact quite often with other dogs.  The one I saw on Friday had had kennel cough twice, once from a beach and this one from kennels.  But this option is more expensive than having it at family and friends.

One of the kennels at the boarding kennels I did work experience at.

Home boarding: Some people do run a home boarding system that is more expensive than boarding kennels but have less dogs and keep them in a home environment to reduce stress.

And don't forget that if your pet shows any signs of stress or kennel cough after being away to take a trip to the vets.