Arthritis Services

Your dog or cat’s arthritis can be managed with consistent care, from the time of their diagnosis and beyond. If they’re suddenly experiencing pain affecting their ability to move or complete daily tasks, this could indicate arthritis. To learn more about our treatment options, please contact us at 613-748-9820.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is caused by inflammation in your dog or cat’s joints, which can trigger chronic pain. Chronic pain can affect their daily habits, affecting their mobility, activity level and weight. Though there are different types of arthritis, one of the most common is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Throughout their senior years, an osteoarthritis diagnosis is more common, particularly if your dog or cat has risk factors like underlying orthopedic conditions, genetics or obesity. For example, when a dog is overweight, they are putting added stress on their joints.

What are the signs of osteoarthritis?

Dogs and cats are experts at masking their pain. They tend to hide symptoms instinctually, which is a defence mechanism that helps protect them in the wild. Since your dog or cat is less likely to show symptoms until their health condition has progressed, the moment you notice any changes in their daily habits or disposition, it’s important to book an appointment with us. Some symptoms you should be aware of include: 

• Sleeping or resting more 
• Less active 
• Difficulty moving around 
• Irritability
• Reluctance to being touched 

How can arthritis be treated?

While a cure for the disease remains elusive, there are methods through which we can effectively manage its impact on the quality of life for dogs and cats. For instance, if your dog is overweight, we might suggest a weight management plan that facilitates lifestyle changes, assisting in achieving healthy weight loss. Some supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids could also help slow down the disease’s progression. Based on your dog or cat’s specific case, we’ll determine which treatment options are most effective.