As our pets age we notice them moving around less and less but did you know that approximately 30% of dogs and cats have painful arthritis? How do you know if your pet has arthritis?
– Do they have trouble getting up?
– Do they cry out in pain or limp?
– Are they unable to jump up or walk stairs?
– Have you noticed any changes in their appetite or are they restless?
If you are noticing any of the above in your pet it is recommended that we do a complete exam to determine if they have arthritis or possibly hip dysplasia.
Arthritis can affect both dogs & cats whereas hip dysplasia is a condition in dogs only. Canine hip dysplasia, though largely genetic due to an abnormally developed hip joint, can be worsened by environmental factors such as obesity.
If you are in the market for a large breed dog and chose to purchase one from a breeder the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a wonderful resource. Reputable breeders will have their breeding animals joints “graded” to lessen the likelihood of producing offspring prone to hip dysplasia. This information should be openly provided to you upon request. If you are interested in having your dogs hips graded we would be happy to help you with the process.
The good news is that we have a variety of options to help lessen your pets discomfort associated with joint issues as well as limiting their progression. We recommend Dasuquin for both dogs and cats.
