Treatment Options
Many pets experience pain at some point in their lives. If you suspect that your pet is in pain or becoming arthritic, it is important to come in right away for an exam with your veterinarian. The exam will usually begin with a Quality of Life screening which includes a history of symptoms you and your family have noticed and what your home environment is like. The next step would be the physical exam where the doctor will do a full examination of your pet to pinpoint painful areas. Radiographs may be taken to see the extent of damage to a joint. After a diagnosis is made, your vet will work with you to start a treatment plan. They will discuss with you what your expectations are and what the overall goals for treatment are. The treatment plan will likely include modalities from one or more of the categories below.