Dogs
and cats, like humans, can develop arthritis as they age. The arthritis
that tends to develop in older pets is often related to previous joint
injury, degenerative disease, or developmental disease (such as hip dysplasia,
a common condition in rapidly growing large-breed dogs) that can lead
to osteoarthritis later in life. Painful arthritis can result from degeneration
of the cartilage or inflammation of the soft connective tissue. A dog
or cat may show evidence of this pain by limping or refusing to bear weight
on the painful limb.
As many as 25-30% of pets have been estimated to develop osteoarthritis. Signs that your pet may be experiencing arthritis or joint problems include lameness, stiffness, lowered activity levels or unwillingness to move, licking the affected area, and possibly joint swelling or redness. Recognizing arthritis in pets is important, because medical and surgical treatments can often reduce discomfort and pain.
Click
here to see expert pet health care information in The
Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health:
page p. 185 “Osteoarthritis”
Visit
the Other Common Conditions in Aging: