Arthritis Management
Keep your pet active, healthy, and pain-free.
One of the most common causes of pain in pets is osteoarthritis (arthritis). Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage and lubricating fluids that normally enable the smooth, comfortable movement and rotation of the body’s joints. As these tissues and fluids degenerate, joint movement becomes more difficult, leading to pain and limited mobility associated with arthritis. With proper preventative measures and treatments, our veterinarian can help your pet manage arthritis pain or avoid it altogether.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in Pets?
Arthritis typically develops as a result of wear and tear during the normal aging process. However, it can also develop as a result of a myriad of degenerative diseases, birth defects like hip or elbow dysplasia, genetic predispositions, injury, and even cancer.
Depending on our patient’s specific medical history, current condition, and age, our veterinarian can recommend a variety of treatments designed to either prevent your pet from developing osteoarthritis to help them slow the disease’s progression while effectively managing pain.
Preventing Arthritis and Managing Arthritis Pain in Pets
There are a variety of approaches available for preventing arthritis, slowing its progression, and managing pain in pets with arthritis. The combination of treatments and therapies that will work best for your pet and your lifestyle will depend on your pet’s condition, type of arthritis, and general health. We offer a variety of treatments and therapies that are designed to help prevent and treat arthritis while managing pain.
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Weight Control
- Nutritional Supplements
- Medications
- Orthopedic Surgery
Our veterinarian will work with you to devise an osteoarthritis treatment, management, or prevention plan designed specifically to meet your pet’s unique needs. Your pet’s ongoing treatment plan might entail a single treatment or a combination of therapies designed to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve your pet’s quality of life.
Safe Long-Term Pain Management Solutions for Pets
Each pet has a different medical history and will respond differently to treatments. As a result, some solutions, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, do not provide the patient with a safe long-term pain management solution.
While these types of medications are typically only recommended for short-term use, other pain management options offer relief without the dangerous side effects. For example, many pets find optimal relief with the use of daily nutritional supplements, a prescription diet, lifestyle adjustments, and even with the ongoing use of cold laser therapy.
Pain Management and Arthritis Consultations for Fort Worth Pets
As pets age, there’s no reason they need to succumb to the pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation at South Meadow Animal Clinic by calling (817) 370-5566. Our veterinarian will work with you to keep your pet active, healthy, and pain-free!
