Who is most commonly affected by mobility issues?
Mobility issues are usually more common in senior cats and senior dogs, but they can happen earlier in life too if pets have issues they were born with, or if they had an injury or something along those lines.
What are the biggest tools for helping with pet mobility changes?
The first thing is their weight. Their weight is huge. Even the difference of a couple of pounds in a cat or 5 or 10 pounds in a dog makes a really big difference regarding wear and tear over time. If they have a lameness issue, the extra weight can be a game changer. So, it's really important to work with your veterinarian to achieve a lean body weight.
Are there any supplements that can help?
Yes, we commonly use joint supplements. Not every joint supplement is the same, as some have quality issues. One of our favorite brands to recommend is Cosequin. It's available over the counter, and we have it here at the pet clinic as well. There's a version for both dogs and cats. It's a daily supplement that helps the joints by providing building blocks for cartilage and also aids hydration to help with cartilage.
What if weight management and supplements aren't enough?
If the lean weight and joint supplements aren't quite enough, we often use anti-inflammatory pain medication. There are many choices available, and it can be used as needed or daily. This helps pets to still use their bodies well, play, exercise, and do their favorite things by taking care of inflammation.
Are there any new treatments available?
Yes, there are two relatively new treatments. One is called Solensia for cats, and the other is Librela for dogs. These are given by injection once a month and work by interrupting how well the tissues can feel arthritis pain. They are really safe and can be a game changer if nothing else seems to help your pet.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (763) 428-8688, or you can email us at info@rogerspetclinic.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram