Understanding and Managing Chronic Pet Illnesses Like Diabetes or Arthritis
When your pup or kitty struggles with chronic pet illnesses, you probably want to do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. But managing chronic pet illnesses can be tough. Our team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to provide veterinary care for chronic diseases like arthritis and diabetes in pets. We’d like to offer some tips to help you understand and manage these conditions.
Chronic Pet Illnesses 101
When it comes to chronic illnesses in pets, our furry friends struggle with some of the same conditions we do. Arthritis and diabetes top the list of conditions that can make our lives difficult as we age. The same is true for our pawsome pals!
Your pet might also struggle with allergies, kidney disease, and liver disease. Understanding the symptoms of these conditions can help you keep a close eye on your pet’s health. Let’s take a closer look at two of the more common chronic pet illnesses: diabetes and arthritis.
Diagnosing and Treating Pet Diabetes
Diabetes affects your pet’s ability to process sugar. Without treatment, it can lead to eye, kidney, and skin problems and can even be fatal. Thankfully, treatment makes a big difference. For diabetes in pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends looking out for:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Weight loss despite an increased appetite
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin conditions
- Cloudy eyes
Your veterinarian can diagnose diabetes with a few diagnostic tests and start your pup or kitty on insulin. With medical treatment, frequent checkups, and lifestyle changes like weight management, your diabetic pup or kitty can live a long and happy life.
Diagnosing and Treating Pet Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation and degeneration in your pet’s joints. There are many early signs of arthritis in pets. The earlier you bring your pet in for an arthritis evaluation, the better your dog or cat’s outcome will be. The most common symptoms include:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Reduced ability to run and jump
- Irritability due to pain from inflammation
- Difficulty climbing stairs
If your dog or cat is showing signs of arthritis, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Veterinarians can quickly diagnose arthritis and set up a treatment plan. Many dogs and cats start to feel better once they begin treatment. Treating pet arthritis usually involves joint care supplements, laser therapy, pet pain medication, and lifestyle changes.
Ask Us About Chronic Illness Management for Pets
The caring veterinary team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to help guide your pet’s journey with chronic illness. Schedule an appointment with our team as soon as you have any concerns. Whether your furry friend is in the early or advanced stages of a disease, we can help your pal feel fur-bulous again.