{"id":179965,"date":"2018-06-06T06:30:09","date_gmt":"2018-06-06T04:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=179965"},"modified":"2018-06-06T08:22:55","modified_gmt":"2018-06-06T06:22:55","slug":"arthritis-can-affect-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2018\/06\/06\/arthritis-can-affect-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"How arthritis can affect your pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s so much to look forward to when it comes to winter; curling up on the couch with your dog or cat on your lap, hot chocolate in hand and a feel-good movie on TV.<\/p>\n

However, what many pet parents don\u2019t realise is that the colder weather brings existing ailments, such as arthritis, to the forefront.<\/p>

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People with arthritis know first-hand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness, and the same applies for pets.<\/p>\n

This is mainly due to the increased blood flow to the major organs, which is how the body stays warm; however, this also means there\u2019s less blood flowing to the limbs, making the joints colder and stiff.<\/p>

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Unfortunately, with pets, it\u2019s more difficult to tell when they are in pain.<\/p>\n

While dogs will show physical pain, cats are notorious for hiding injury, pain and illness.<\/p>\n

What causes arthritis in pets?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many reasons why your dog or cat could be experiencing joint pain associated with arthritis, explained Dr Guy Fyvie, nutritional advisor for Hill\u2019s Pet Nutrition.<\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Contributing factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Age<\/strong> \u2013 As pet gets older, joint cartilage progressively wears away. While it is much more common in senior pets, younger dogs and cats can suffer from arthritis too.<\/p>\n

Breed <\/strong>\u2013 Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis. \u2018At-risk\u2019 dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. \u2018At-risk\u2019 cat breeds include Himalayan, Persian and Siamese.<\/p>\n

Excess weight<\/strong> \u2013 Weight puts additional stress on your pet\u2019s joints and cartilage and increases the risk of pain and arthritis.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Possible causes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Accidents or trauma<\/strong> \u2013 Trauma to cartilage may lead to arthritis later in life, and adversely affect mobility.<\/p>\n

Congenital or hereditary defects<\/strong> \u2013 Some breeds may have congenital or hereditary conditions that make them more prone to developing arthritis in later life.<\/p>\n

Does my pet have arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fyvie said if you notice any of the below warning signs of joint pain in your dog or cat, then your pet may be suffering from arthritis, and you should schedule a consultation with your vet as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Addressing the problem early on can spare your pet more aggressive treatments, like surgery:<\/p>\n

Dogs:<\/strong><\/p>\n