Arthritis Services

Arthritis is a progressive joint disease your pet might be at risk of, depending on things like their weight, age as well as wear and tear. We promote holistic preventative medicine to ensure your pet’s joint health is taken care of. However, if your pet does develop arthritis, you can rest assured we’ll do everything we can so your pet’s pain can be managed.

What are the signs of arthritis?

If your pet has arthritis, you might see your furry friend limping. This might be one of the first signs of the condition you notice but there are a range of subtle ones you might see as well. For your dog, they might be more reluctant to play with you or run around your home less often than usual. For cats, they might stop using their litter box or spend less time grooming themselves. If you notice any of these changes in behaviour from your pet, please contact us at 902-865-6400.

How do I take care of my pet’s arthritis?

If your pet has arthritis, our team will create a care plan that helps support them. Since your pet might be experiencing pain due to the deterioration of cartilage between their joints, pain management is an important part of helping them stay as comfortable as possible. Some treatments might include:

• Therapeutic diet with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation, including special exercises
• Joint supplements to support joint health
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain
• Surgery to remove damaged joint tissues

How can I support my pet’s joint health?

Though arthritis isn’t curable, it is preventable. Pets who are overweight are at a high risk of developing the condition. Our veterinary team is happy to discuss weight management with you to help your pet maintain a healthy weight. It might also be helpful to incorporate more exercises in your pet’s daily routine, like swimming, that don’t put too much strain on your pet’s joints. Ensuring your pet has a healthy, balanced diet is another way to help them maintain joint health.