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 Veterinarians are urging pet lovers to take action against pet arthritis, after a national survey showed many pet owners aren’t aware their dog or cat is at risk of the disease.
Dr Julie Summerfield, veterinarian and TV personality said the results of a Newspoll survey demonstrates the need for education, particularly before the cooler months of winter set in.
“Pets need to be prepared to cope with the arrival of winter when the signs of arthritis are worsened and the aches and pains can intensify,” said Dr Summerfield.
“The latest research shows that while dog owners are more likely than cat owners to be aware of pet arthritis, one in five don’t associate arthritis as an ailment that will affect their dog, despite it being so common.
“One in five dogs suffer from pain and disability caused by canine arthritis, a painful and degenerative joint condition that develops gradually over time,” she said.
The results of the national survey found about 90 per cent of cat and dog owners strongly identified fleas, ticks and worms as common ailments that will affect a pet during its lifetime.
Only about a third strongly associated arthritis as likely to affect cats or dogs. The lack of awareness about this inflammatory disease explains why arthritis in pets often goes undiagnosed.
“Just as in humans, canine arthritis is a chronic condition that gets progressively worse over time,” said Dr Summerfield whose 13-year-old dog Jessie, a Golden Retriever cross, is treated for the condition.
“If symptoms aren’t identified and arthritis is left untreated, pets will experience chronic pain and difficulty in movement, resulting in an overall decline in quality of life.”
The Newspoll survey found 96 per cent of pet owners believe arthritis is a painful condition for pets.
Six out of ten dog and cat owners recognised symptoms of limping and limited mobility as most likely to be caused by arthritis. Yet more than a quarter of pet owners associated symptoms of arthritis as simply a sign of aging.
Dr Robert Holmes, Melbourne veterinarian and animal behaviourist, said that attributing signs of arthritis to old age is one of the most common misconceptions associated with the disease.
“While arthritis does get progressively worse with age, it can affect dogs of all ages,” he said.
“Arthritis can also affect dogs of all sizes and breeds, although larger dogs such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweillers and Border Collies are more prone.”
Dr Holmes said another barrier to recognising arthritis is that pets don’t communicate their pain like humans – in fact they often try to mask it.
“If you consider predatory animals like dingos or hyenas in the wild they tend go for weaker animals because they are easier prey. So for dogs, even in a domestic environment, it makes good survival sense not to stand out as weak or injured."
Dr Holmes said that educating pet owners about arthritis is vital as they play an important role in identifying the early warning signs of the disease.
“Family members spend the most time with their pets, so they are best placed to recognise changes in their pet’s behaviour or personality that may indicate suffering,” said Dr Holmes.
“For instance, a dog or a cat will guard and protect an arthritic joint by not putting it down because it’s sore, or they may be a bit more aggressive or depressed if they are in pain.”
He said pet owners should look for the following signs that may indicate a dog has arthritis:
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- A reluctance to walk, jump and play
- Limping
- Joint stiffness in the morning or after a sleep
- Licking or biting of joints
- Difficulty in rising from a resting position or climbing stairs
- Yelping in pain when touched
- Change in personality – less happy or playful, sometimes aggressive and irritable
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In the survey less than four out of 10 pet owners strongly agreed that arthritis is a treatable condition in pets.
Veterinarians can prescribe a number of different medications that are effective for arthritis, including a treatment available in a chewable form making it easier for owners to get their pets to take the medication.
Dr Julie Summerfield said seeking early diagnosis and treatment from a vet is crucial, particularly before the cooler months when arthritis pain tends to get worse.
“A vet will conduct a thorough clinical examination, sometimes with x-rays and blood tests, and then work with the owner to manage the arthritis,” said Dr Summerfield.
This may include a combination of weight loss, dietary review and gentle exercise, plus some form of medication.
“Swimming is excellent as it is non-weight bearing and helps lose those extra kilos that can add stress to arthritic joints. It’s also important not to overfeed your pet and ensure they are comfortable, with a good supportive bed,” she said.
Good arthritis management will ensure your pet has the spring in its step all year round.
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Issued on behalf of Pfizer Animal Health, the sponsors of Pet Arthritis Week, in the interest of educating pet owners about arthritis and the impact it can have on their pet’s health and well-being.
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