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Some symptoms of arthritis dogs and cats are that they may be lame and stiff. They may have swollen and painful joints that creak.
Some pets hide their arthritis pain, but you'll notice they don't want to play because it's difficult to run
and wrestle. They can't leap on or off the bed, or climb into a car without help.Some pets bite at, or lick, their joints because they ache. Other pets bite us when their joints ache. That's one reason a ten-year-old golden retriever who has loved children all her life, now snaps at the
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With arthritis cats, it can be difficult to diagnose feline arthritis because they are naturally agile. Cats' agility
allows them to compensate for arthritis and we may not notice limping. Instead, cats with
arthritis display signs of chronic pain. They're grumpy and poorly groomed. They may be
constipated because it is difficult for them to squat to eliminate. They take several small jumps
rather than that single leap to reach the counter. If you notice these signs, consider having your
veterinarian evaluate the cat for joint disease. X-rays may reveal arthritis. In fact, there is
evidence of feline arthritis in 90% of cats over 12 years of age.
We recommend several medications (see the list on the right) for arthritis in cats and dogs. In addition,
we recommend supplementing all pets with Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce the tendency to
inflammation. Visit our Fatty Acid FAQ Section.
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The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians
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