Arthritis Services

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that can affect your pet’s ability to do everyday things like going on walks, moving around your home or playing with their favourite toys. Though there isn’t a cure for arthritis, our veterinary team can provide support for your pet so they’re quality of life isn’t negatively impacted.

My pet has been limping lately. Could it be arthritis?

Limping is one of the signs of arthritis but our veterinary team would be better able to have an accurate diagnosis about assessing your pet. We might use a combination of a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose them. Depending on the stage of your pet’s arthritis, symptoms might not be manifesting just yet. Especially if your pet has more risk factors, like obesity, age, injuries and genetics, they’re more likely to contract the disease. There are a few signs of arthritis you can look for, including:

• Stiffness or difficulty standing up
• Tiredness
• Flinching or wincing when you touch them
• Changes in behaviour
• Avoiding activities they like, including playing or running
• Gaining weight

How might arthritis affect my pet?

Since arthritis is a degenerative joint disease, your pet’s condition will likely get worse overtime if left untreated. As the cartilage between your pet’s joints wears away more, they experience more inflammation in their joints. Cartilage provides a protective cushion for your pet’s joints and with that being broken down, it means your pet might experience pain or their mobility might be affected. The most common areas we see arthritis in furry friends is on their limbs and lower spine.

How is arthritis treated?

Our veterinary team will create a treatment plan based on your pet’s needs with the goal of slowing down the progression of the disease, decreasing inflammation, managing your pet’s pain and ensuring they’re maintaining a high quality of life. Their treatment might include a combination of therapies, supplements and pain/inflammation-reducing medications like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Please contact us at 905-682-7857 to discuss treatment with our veterinary team.