STORY FORMAT: Digital/Print Article WORD COUNT: 669 WRITTEN BY: Rebecca Guldberg OSTEOARTHRITIS IN PETS: WHAT EVERY PET OWNER SHOULD KNOW September is "Animal Pain Awareness Month," when veterinarians bring our attention to some conditions that may be causing pain for your four-legged family members. It turns out, arthritis doesn’t just affect your grandparents. Your pets, too, could be quietly suffering from this painful condition. According to Dr. Terry Fossum, a veterinarian and founder of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care, osteoarthritis is incredibly common in both dogs and cats. "Estimates suggest that 80% of all dogs will develop osteoarthritis at some point in their lives," says Dr. Fossum. "And for cats, the numbers are even more staggering. Around 90% of older cats have osteoarthritis." So, what causes this widespread issue in our furry friends, and what can we do to help them? For many, it’s simply a matter of age and wear and tear on the joints. "As pets get older, their joint cartilage can degrade over time, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact," explains Dr. Fossum. But age isn’t the only factor. Some pets can develop osteoarthritis due to genetic or congenital conditions. Other causes of arthritis can include joint injuries, such as ruptured ligaments, or infections that cause damage to the joint tissue. "The causes are varied, and so are the treatments," she adds. So, how do you know if your pet is suffering from osteoarthritis? “Look for the same signs you’d see in yourself as you age,” advises Dr. Fossum. Dogs, for instance, may be slow to get up after lying down, struggle with stairs, or show signs of stiffness and reduced activity. “Cats, on the other hand, are a bit trickier,” she notes. “They tend to hide their pain well, so the signs may be more subtle. You might notice your cat is grooming less, not jumping up to their favorite spots, or just moving less overall. Sometimes, it’s only when we give them pain relief that owners realize how much pain their cat was in.” Managing osteoarthritis in pets requires a comprehensive approach, which Dr. Fossum refers to as the “pillars of treatment.” These include pain management, weight control, exercise, and nutritional supplements. Here’s a closer look: - Pain Management:"Pain medication can be a lifesaver," says Dr. Fossum. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed, but they’re not ideal for long-term use. We might also consider other options like CBD, though it’s essential to use products specifically made for pets to ensure safety and efficacy.” - Weight Control: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing arthritis. "If a pet is overweight, we often recommend a calorie-restricted diet," Dr. Fossum explains. "This might include substituting a third of their regular diet with low-calorie options like carrots or green beans." - Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong. “But the trick is to find the right balance,” Dr. Fossum adds. “Too much exercise can worsen the pain, especially at the beginning of treatment, so it’s essential to start slow.” - Supplements: Adding omega fatty acids and other supplements to a pet’s diet can also help. "Supplements like omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can support joint health," she notes. Cost can be a concern for many pet owners. “Unfortunately, the price of treating arthritis can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause,” Dr. Fossum admits. “It might be as simple as managing with medications and diet changes at home, or it could require surgery, which is obviously more expensive.” Certain breeds are more prone to arthritis than others. “Large-breed dogs, in particular, are at a higher risk,” Dr. Fossum explains. “For cats, it can be a mixed bag, with some breeds like Siamese potentially being more susceptible. But really, arthritis can affect any breed.” If you suspect your pet may be suffering from arthritis, don’t delay in seeking help. "The sooner you can get a proper diagnosis and start treatment, the better the chances are of managing the condition effectively," advises Dr. Fossum. “Osteoarthritis may not be curable, but with the right approach, we can make a huge difference in our pets' quality of life.”