Posts Tagged: Senior Arthritic Pets

Growing old gracefully is something most of us aspire to, and we want the same for our pets. The aging process, while not a disease itself, comes with inherent risks, not to mention the effects of wear and tear on the body. This is why preventive medicine is important in keeping your furry one healthy, no matter what their age.

Your friends at Long Animal Hospital and Emergency Center are here to give you some insight into why senior pet care should be a priority for the best life for your fur friend.

Although most of us might associate arthritis with old age, there are numerous reasons this joint disease may strike – even among younger pets. Thankfully, there are effective treatment options for an arthritic pet, helping them to thrive no matter the age or cause of the condition.

An Overview of Pet Arthritis

Pet arthritis can occur in both dogs and cats, although it’s more often diagnosed in dogs. Typically, arthritis is something that develops in senior pets – much like in older humans – and is a result of wear and tear on joints. Since dogs tend to put more stress on their joints through rigorous exercise and activities, they’re more likely to suffer from joint disease.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Joints are covered by a thin layer of cartilage, which protects them by minimizing friction. Over time or in cases of illness or injury, this cartilage becomes damaged or deteriorates entirely until the bones are exposed and begin to rub together. This is referred to as degenerative joint disease.

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