Signs of Arthritis in Pets
You might be familiar with arthritis as a condition that causes joint pain in middle age. Both humans and pets can experience arthritis as they age. However, it can be easy to miss the symptoms of arthritis in pets. Here at Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin, our veterinarians can help diagnosis and treat your pet’s arthritis.
Signs of Arthritis in Pets
Difficulty moving is one of the more obvious signs of arthritis. When your pet realizes that moving has become harder, they may avoid movements that cause pain. For example, your pet may become reluctant to jump on furniture or use stairs. If your pet continues to lose mobility, their muscles could atrophy, resulting in limbs that are thinner than others.
Hunched posture is another sign of arthritis. It indicates potential spinal issues, which can also lead to neck pain. Along with a hunch, limping is a common sign of pet arthritis.
Dealing with arthritis pain can be tiring. If your middle-aged pet seems to be sleeping more than usual, consider whether arthritis is at play. This can also be evident if your pet prefers longer walks than before.
Just like pain can make you cranky, arthritis may make your pet irritable, even if they were previously quite friendly and loving. If you notice that your pet is sensitive to your touches around certain body parts, it could be that arthritis is causing pain. A nipping reaction when you touch your pet can be a sign of this sensitivity.
If these areas cause your pet pain, they might lick, bite, or chew in an attempt to provide pain relief. These behaviors are also common with allergies in pets. Irritated or inflamed skin could occur due to this.
Recognizing the signs of arthritis in your pet is key to seeking treatment. Although there is no cure for this condition, our veterinarian can recommend procedures or products that can help your pet remain active and as healthy as possible during this time in their life.
Visit Our Austin Veterinarian for Pet Arthritis Treatment
To schedule an appointment or discuss pet arthritis, call our office at Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin at 512-339-3177.