Not Running as Smoothly Anymore

Do you have an older dog or cat that seems to be slowing down? Consider whether joint pain might be an issue for your pet. Clients often tell me that their pet is not in pain because she is not crying. Crying…that’s more of a people thing. Most dogs and cats are much tougher than humans and almost never cry, even when they are in a great deal of pain. You are more likely to observe subtle changes in routine rather than hear any pitiful noises.

That’s particularly true of cats. Studies have shown that many older cats show evidence of arthritis on their x-rays, but their owners have not observed that the pet is in pain. You will need to study your cat very carefully if you want to detect joint discomfort. You might see that she spends more time on the floor and does not attempt leaps onto the furniture or countertop any more. Some cats stop using the litter box as reliably because of soreness experienced when trying to climb over the edge. Occasionally, a cat might object to petting over the affected joints.
Dogs are usually a bit more straightforward. Is your dog slow in rising from his nap or first thing in the morning? Watch for difficulty climbing up (or down) stairs. Limping is possible if one leg is affected more than the others, but many painful animals do not limp, especially if multiple joints are affected. Some dogs suffer stiffness after periods of exertion and play. Don’t assume that your dog’s willingness to play implies healthy joints. Dogs are not going to limit their fun because they are fearful of the pain to follow. (That’s actually one of the things we love about them, isn’t it?)

Stiffness and joint pain of older pets does not tend to go away; it usually needs to be managed long-term as the pet (and her joints) continue to age. One avenue that’s familiar is pharmaceutical intervention with anti-inflammatories and pain medication. There are a variety of other approaches as well. Supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin and fish oil carry minimal side effects and may offer some benefit. Likewise, some pets seem to improve with cold laser treatments or glycosaminoglycan injections. Stem cell therapy is a newly developed technology that requires specialized equipment and is not widely available.

If, however, you are looking for an inexpensive treatment for joint pain that is totally without side effects and has stood the test of time, you need look no further than the ancient and unglamorous therapies of exercise and diet. A low-impact/no-impact workout such as swimming increases circulation to the joint surfaces and also delivers the whole-body benefits of physical exertion. Our joints have a very stressful occupation—carrying weight—and many of our companion animals are carrying too much. They and their aging joints would benefit from shedding a few unwanted pounds. Be sure to see your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate levels of weight loss and how to accomplish it.

Dr. M.S. Regan