Arthritis is a painful and progressive disease that affects nearly all cats and dogs to some degree later in life. The condition is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the joints and typically causes pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis; however, medications and lifestyle changes can halt progression of the disease and greatly improve symptoms. Below are ten steps you can take to improve your pet’s comfort level.
1 – Visit Your Vet – Before you can begin a treatment plan for your arthritic pet, you’ll need to know the extent of your pet’s joint damage and rule out other causes for your pet’s symptoms. Your veterinarian will examine your pet, note his symptoms, and order X-rays or other diagnostic tests before working with you to develop a comprehensive treatment program. [Read more…]