Pets are living longer than ever before, and we can expect orthopedic changes in aging pets. What orthopedic changes should we expect? Many will affect mobility for senior dogs and cats.
The orthopedic changes we see in our aging pets often bring pain, decreased range of motion, and lameness. While this makes it harder for a senior pet to get around, it can also negatively impact quality of life. With a bit of intervention, you can help. Keep reading to learn what all pet owners need to know about their aging pet’s orthopedic health to help him or her stay mobile and feel well in their golden years.
Orthopedic Changes in Aging Pets
As pets age, a lifetime of wear and tear on the joints, bones, and muscles will likely negatively affect how well they can move their bodies. Similar changes happen to people as we age— we start to creak and crack, move more slowly, and have difficulty doing tasks we once had no problems with. But where do those changes come from? These are some of the most common orthopedic issues that affect senior pets:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament tears
- Intervertebral disc disease
Age-related orthopedic conditions do not have to have such an impact on your senior pet’s life. With a combination of veterinary, lifestyle, and nutritional changes, you can help your pets age (and move) with more ease and less pain.
How to Tell if a Pet is in Pain
Our animal friends are not always good at letting us know they are experiencing pain. It’s up to us to notice the signals they do share, which include:
- Changes in normal behavior and habits
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Reluctance to jump or climb
- Decreased energy levels
- Increased painting
- Failure to groom themselves (cats)
- Increased vocalization
- Changes in sleeping behavior
- Limping or whining when using certain joints
- Difficulty standing or climbing
If you have any questions about orthopedic issues, please let us know. Once an official diagnosis is made, we can discuss treatment options.
Relief for Orthopedic Changes in Aging Pets
While there is currently no cure for many orthopedic issues in senior pets, there are things we can do to help. At Union Lake Pet Services, we develop a personalized treatment plan for pets to use in conjunction with:
- Nutritional management
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Nutritional supplements
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Light exercise
Our Animal Rehabilitation Center here at Union Lake was the first of its kind in Michigan, and we are the first canine rehabilitation center in Michigan to have two underwater treadmills. We have so many options to help your senior pet feel better.
Partnering with the Union Lake Pet Services team can help you get the most effective and beneficial treatments for your senior pet’s orthopedic issues. With our help, your pets can maintain mobility longer, allowing them to enjoy their golden years and minimize the orthopedic changes in aging pets.
While many pets will experience orthopedic changes as they age, that does not mean we have to accept the consequences. The pet care services at Union Lake Pet Services offer solutions to help your pets feel their best. If you think your pet may be in pain or is suffering from orthopedic disease, please call (248) 363-6262 to learn more about how we can help.