What Causes Pet Joint Pain?
If your dog has trouble standing up or laying down, jumping into your car, or running happily with abandon like they once did, it’s likely they’re suffering from joint pain. Joint pain, unfortunately, is fairly common in pets, and it can limit mobility, making it difficult for pets to enjoy the activities they love.
Joint pain in pets is a symptom of a variety of different ailments. While we can help relieve joint pain with a variety of treatments, it’s essential to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain to provide the safest, most effective relief while addressing the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Pet Joint Pain
Degenerative Diseases
Degenerative joint pain can occur as a result of age-related osteoarthritis which results in the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions your pet’s joints.
This type of joint pain and wearing down of cartilage also occurs as a result of repetitive use injuries. Joint degeneration that develops as a result of repetitive use can cause pets problems with age, as a result of being overweight, or as a result of suffering an injury.
In these cases, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pet’s degenerative joint pain. Often a multifaceted approach to pain relief provides the most relief.
Developmental Disorders
Developmental problems are genetic in origin and occur naturally in dogs. They’re more common in some breeds than others and have a more detrimental effect on larger breeds.
Developmental disorders responsible for joint pain include issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These disorders put extra stress and pressure on your pet’s joints, causing pain and often leading to other problems.
These types of joint problems can usually be most effectively resolved with orthopedic surgery.
Pet Pain Management at Animal Wellness Center
At Animal Wellness Center in Wisconsin, we have a variety of treatments that can help address the underlying cause of your pet’s joint pain while relieving their painful symptoms. Pet pain can be treated in a variety of ways including pain medications, surgery, weight management, nutritional supplements and prescription diets, cold laser therapy, ultrasound, and spinal manipulation.
Depending on your pet’s needs, our veterinarians can recommend a multifaceted approach including holistic therapies and traditional veterinary treatments to safely address your pet’s pain.
To learn more or schedule a pet pain management consultation, we welcome you to contact any of our locations today.
