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Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments.

Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life.

On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers – their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities.

Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.

Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation.

However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing.

For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:

• Stiffness, Limping

• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)

• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump

• Noticeable Pain, Different Gait than Usual

• Nervousness, Aggression, Depression

If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.

Alternatively check out these cat pain treatments here. Learn more

Causes

Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.

Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.

The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.

What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet

Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.

Treatments

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).

There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too.

These include:

• Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)

• Feline Dysplasia

• Bacterial Arthritis

• Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

• Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament

• Luxating Patella

• Hip Dysplasia

• Intervertabral Disc Disease

• Hyperparathyroidism

Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of  treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!

By: Jean Morgan -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet

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You may already know that bladder infections in dogs are a very common problem. But quite a few dog owners have questions about canine urinary tract infections. Here are  answers to your questions on pet health .

What Is Canine Cystitis?

It’s a bladder inflammation caused by bacteria infecting your dog’s bladder. Your vet may refer to it as an “ascending” infection. Most of the time the bacteria that cause bladder infections in dogs come from the dog’s own intestinal tract. The bacteria start out at the skin around the anus, and “ascend” through the urethra to the bladder.

Are There Other Causes Of Canine Urinary Tract Infections?

Yes. Your dog may have bladder stones, which can make it easier for him to develop a bladder infection.

Other factors include tumors in the bladder, not being able to empty the bladder completely, and diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease. If your dog is being given drugs that suppress the immune system, like cortisone or chemotherapy, he may be more prone to a bladder infection.

What Symptoms Should I Be Watching For?

Blood in your dog’s urine, straining to pass urine, and frequent urination are common signs of a bladder problem.

But sometimes it’s not so obvious. If your dog is acting restless and wants to go out all the time, or starts urinating all over the house, this may not be a behavior problem. It could be signs of a canine bladder infection.

How Does Your Vet Diagnose Canine Cystitis?

Ideally, your vet will run a urinalysis first to determine if there are bacteria or bladder stones in your dog’s urine. If bacteria are present, the next step should be a dog urine culture and a sensitivity test.

A urine culture is necessary to identify which bacteria are present. The sensitivity test tells your vet which antibiotic is the best one to do the job.

Do I Really Have To Give My Dog ALL The Antibiotic?

Absolutely. If you stop treating bladder infections in dogs too soon, the infection can come back. Plus, stopping the treatment too soon encourages antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

If your dog has side effects from the antibiotic, contact your vet. Don’t just stop giving your buddy the medication.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Bladder Infections?

It’s possible that it’s the same infection that was never completely eradicated. A dog urine culture and sensitivity test should be done before you treat him again. After treatment is over, you can see if it was successful by repeating these tests.

How About Natural Remedies For Pets?

People have been using safe, effective, natural treatments for bladder infections for centuries. Many dog owners ask if  natural remedies for pets can help dogs with canine cystitis.

Make no mistake about it, the answer is yes. But you do need to be sure you’re using remedies gentle enough for animals, not people. Do your homework and purchase your remedies only from a company with a great reputation for producing the highest-quality herbal remedies for pets. These remedies are safe and effective, and are easy to give your dog every day to prevent bladder problems from happening in the first place.

Take the next step and learn how these remedies can help protect your best buddy from canine urinary tract infections.

By: Darlene Norris Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Here you can discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help prevent and treat painful canine urinary tract infections. Find the best place to buy these remedies at naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

You can find more information about dog health and natural healing by visiting the following sites

Dog Health: Natural Healing
Every dog owner wants to ensure that his or her dog lives in the pink of health. It is only natural for us to wish for our dogs’ good health because, after all, they are our best friends. However, despite of having the best interests in

Puppy can’t sleep – Pet Forums Community
Cat Sleep, mjs_geckos, Cat Health and Nutrition, 6, 09-01-2009 05:54 PM. too much sleep? woolley, Dog Health and Nutrition, 9, 30-09-2008 07:49 PM. How much does your puppy sleep? finoni9, Dog Health and Nutrition

Dog Insurance
If you feel as though it would be difficult to handle unexpected veterinarian bills, consider investing in dog insurance. Then you can rest assured that your dog’s health and well-being are covered, regardless of the situation.

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