Arthritis Treatment

Many aging pets suffer from arthritis, unfortunately. Even though there is no cure for arthritis, we have numerous treatment options that can help relieve your pet’s discomfort and improve quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause cartilage to wear down, as well as acute or chronic inflammation of the joints. Arthritis in animals can be extremely painful.

What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms are often confused with the normal signs of aging in older animals. Animals with arthritis will often struggle to go up stairs or jump, will have stiff movements, limp, lick the joint areas excessively, or be less lively or energetic, among other symptoms.

What does arthritis treatment involve?

It’s important to know going into treatment that your pet won’t ever be cured of arthritis. But there are treatments that can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort your pet is experiencing due to arthritis.
Depending on your pet’s age and health condition, your veterinarian might propose various courses of action:

• A special diet
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Medication
• A low-impact exercise regimen
• Aquatic exercises
• Etc.

At Hôpital vétérinaire de Chambly, we have a large pool and underwater treadmill. These exercises can have excellent results for animals suffering from arthritis, because there is minimal impact on the joints. Talk to your veterinarian to find out if hydrotherapy might be a good option for your pet!