Arthritis

Here comes the geeky bit! The suffix ‘itis’ means inflammation, and arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints.

There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. Healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a rubbery material that creates a cushion between the bones and provides a smooth surface for movement. When arthritis occurs, this cartilage breaks down, causing swelling, stiffness, movement problems and increasing pain, which steadily spreads throughout the body.

If your beloved pet is showing any of the above symptoms book them in for an examination. To help diagnose arthritis we might do a handful of tests including a urine sample, blood tests, Xray scans and even trying anti-inflammatory medicine in the first instance. 

If your precious pet is diagnosed with arthritis, there are measures you can take to help them at home too, such as giving them a warm, cosy bed, covering slippery floors with anti-slip matting, brief and regular walks and ensuring your cat’s litter tray is easily accessible.

Weight control also makes a big difference, because weight puts pressure on the joints. We often find that overweight pets are much more prone to developing arthritis which is another reason why maintaining a healthy weight is vital to their preventative care.