OUCH! IT MUST BE WINTER

Osteoarthritis affects around 20% of our canine companions and it’s worse in the colder months, but there are ways to help

- NICI DE WET

JUST like us, animals are prone to feel the winter chill. According to Dr Michelle Enslin, resident veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim in Johannesburg, osteoarthritis is the most common winter ailment in pets.

“Unfortunately it’s a progressive disease and there’s no cure. However, there are effective ways to both prevent the condition and manage it once your pet has been diagnosed.”

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Like with humans, osteoarthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints. It’s most common in the hips and elbows of pets, says Dr Enslin. “It’s a painful condition. Pets that are overweight will suffer more, as well as dogs and cats that are elderly (over the age of seven).”

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?