Arthritis pain can go unrecognized in dogs and cats. Here’s what to look for

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Excited by the prospect of going for a walk, Harper, my 10 1/2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, sprang down the hall, then skidded to a halt, yelping in pain. A physical exam by her veterinarian and subsequent X-rays showed osteoarthritis in her lower back.

Osteoarthritis is chronic joint inflammation that causes damage to articular cartilage -- which covers and protects the ends of bones -- as well as changes to synovial fluid and narrowing of the joint space. Because cartilage in an osteoarthritic joint is brittle, it cracks a little when the pet moves or jumps. The cartilage becomes thinner and less able to retain fluid. Eventually, inflammation and cartilage destruction lead to painful bone scraping on bone.

Some 20 percent of dogs and an unknown percentage of cats develop osteoarthritis. We think of it as a disease of senior animals, but it can affect pets at any age, especially if they are overweight or have congenital conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, says Joyce A. Login, DVM, senior manager of veterinary specialty operations at Zoetis, which counts pain medications among its products.

Pet owners are often surprised and dismayed to learn that their pets are in pain from osteoarthritis, says Robin Downing, DVM, a veterinary specialist in pain management and sports medicine at Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado. Too often, they assume that a lower activity level or stiff gait is normal, chalking it up to advancing age. Dr. Downing often hears the following statements from owners who don’t recognize behavior changes that indicate pain:

-- “We used to walk 3 miles, but now she only wants to go 1.”

-- “She used to play fetch for 20 minutes and now she’s done at five minutes.”

-- “She stops and thinks about it before she walks up the stairs.”

-- “She doesn’t like to be groomed or touched in certain areas.”

-- “He’s not eating as much as he used to.”

-- “My cat doesn’t groom himself very well anymore.”

-- “My pet doesn’t jump on the bed or sofa anymore.”

-- “My cat has stopped using the litter box.”

Decreased stamina, reluctance to perform previously normal actions, and resistance to touch can all signal joint pain. Pets who aren’t eating as much may have lower back pain that makes it painful to lean down to the food dish. And animals who stop using the litter box or have accidents in the house may do so because it hurts to climb in and out of the litter box or squat long enough to completely empty their colon. Pets in pain may isolate themselves to avoid being petted or groomed. When the veterinarian performs a pain palpation, the animal may react by twitching the skin, moving away, crying out or trying to bite.

A plan for managing pain from osteoarthritis may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); injectable chondroprotectants such as Adequan Canine (also used off-label in cats); nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effects, such as microlactins and omega-3 fatty acids; weight loss; laser; and physical rehab. The goal is to break the pain cycle quickly and effectively.

NSAIDs tend to be a cornerstone of treatment, Dr. Downing says, but multiple strategies and products allow her to target pain and inflammation in different ways. Reducing reliance on NSAIDs to treat chronic pain gives her the option to reserve them for use with acute pain, such as that caused by a tooth extraction.

“Each pet is an individual,” Dr. Login says. “There’s not one specific product or treatment that I think you can lean toward. We can’t always fix it, but we can make them happy and comfortable.”

Q&A

Healthy birds need

annual checkups

Q: How often should my pet bird visit the veterinarian?

A: A healthy pet bird should visit the veterinarian each year for a physical examination and as needed for illness or injury. According to the Association of Avian Veterinarians, it is important for a pet bird to have regular examinations because signs of illness in birds tend to be subtle.

The veterinarian will begin by collecting your bird's medical history from you, and that information will be included in his medical file. The exam will then proceed to a hands-off look-see before he is gently restrained in a towel and removed from his carrier. Your bird will be weighed and looked over carefully from beak to bottom for physical indications of illness or injury. Your veterinarian will listen to the bird's heart, lungs and air sacs with a stethoscope.

Following the examination, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, including fecal evaluation, bloodwork and microbiology to further determine your pet's health. The annual exam can also be a good time to have your bird's wing feathers clipped or his toenails trimmed.

Observant owners are important members of their bird’s health care team. Watch for signs of illness, which can include a fluffed appearance, appetite loss, increased sleep, weight loss, a change in the frequency or appearance of droppings, lameness, drooping wing or wings, breathing difficulties, or discharge from the bird's nares (nostrils) or eyes.

Pay attention to your bird's appetite, appearance and activity level daily, and contact your veterinarian's office for advice if you notice a change in your bird's routine. Because birds naturally mask signs of illness, the first indicators are often overlooked, but early detection is key to helping your bird regain health as quickly as possible. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Get the skinny

on pet skin

-- Skin: It’s your pet’s largest organ. Think of it as armor for internal organs, bones and joints, preventing harmful organisms from sneaking into the body, insulating it from temperature extremes, and enabling the sense of touch through sensory nerves that transmit sensations such as temperature, pain and pressure. While cat and dog skin is there to protect and to serve, it is more delicate and sensitive than human skin, which is why it usually has an outer layer of fur. Skin has three layers: the epidermis, or outer layer; the dermis, the middle layer; and the subcutis, made up of fat cells and connective tissue.

-- Nicknamed “the tail-wagging sport,” the art of dancing with dogs -- known variously as canine freestyle, musical freestyle and heelwork to music -- allows dog and human dance pairs to display teamwork, athleticism and creative costuming and musical interpretation. Freestyle dogs learn to spin clockwise and counterclockwise, jump through or into their partner’s arms, bow before a waltz, or place their paws on an arm or on their partner’s back, to name just a few of their talents. The most commonly seen freestyling dogs include Australian shepherds, border collies and golden retrievers, but it’s a fun activity for any dog and person.

-- “We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please.” Who doesn’t remember the snobby singing Siamese cats from the animated movie "Lady and the Tramp"? Siamese cats -- with their blue eyes; sleek, pale bodies; and dark “points” on ears, paws, face and tail -- have been popular since the Victorian era. They are known for their bossy personality, raspy voice, which sounds as if they smoke two packs a day, and long life span. The personable cats love to spend time with their humans and are amenable to walking on a leash. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers can have valuable insights into pets available for adoption

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When you’re ready for a dog or cat to come into your life, you want him now, right? You look online or go to the shelter, walk through once or twice, and, hey, that one in the third cage to the right looks like what you had in mind. But is he really the right choice? Adoption counselors and volunteers at shelters and rescue groups say people don’t ask enough questions about the pets they’re interested in, leading to mismatches in personality and lifestyle.

“I do Abyssinian rescue,” says Linda Kay Hardie of Reno, Nevada. “Some people are attracted to the beautiful looks of the Aby, but they don’t realize the high activity level and intelligence of the cat. One of my Abys came to me after he was returned to the breeder by someone who didn’t know that Abys are high energy and need a lot of attention.”

Ask about health needs, especially if you are interested in a particular breed. Veterinary care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Nicole Morrison of Houston, who was rescue coordinator for her local cavalier King Charles spaniel club, says cavaliers, for instance, need regular teeth brushing and dental cleanings, as well as weight control to prevent obesity. A breed rescue coordinator should be able to fill you in on specific needs of the breed and an individual dog or cat.

Think about your lifestyle and how you enjoy spending time with a dog or cat. More important, ask what the animal you’re considering likes to do and whether that matches your activity level and what you’re looking for in a companion animal.

Common questions potential adopters ask include “Is she housetrained?” “How much does he shed?” “Is she a lap cat?”

Those are good questions, but be aware that appropriate house manners or desired behaviors such as lap sitting may not appear until the pet is comfortable in new surroundings. Maryanne Dell, one of the founders of Shamrock Rescue Foundation in Orange County, California, says even well-trained animals may have accidents in a new home because environmental changes can be upsetting. It’s important to give them time to settle in and ensure that they don’t have opportunities to make mistakes.

“Many rescue pets have been turned over by their owners because they are old or have medical or behavioral issues,” Dell says. “Others are saved from kill shelters by rescues for the same reasons. A good rescue will disclose any and all of the issues that might affect an animal and how he may act in the new home.”

Former shelter adoption counselor Sharon Melnyk of Berkeley, California, suggests some more in-depth questions to ask:

-- Is this animal well-socialized or accustomed to interacting with people?

-- How does this animal react to children?

-- Does this animal get along with other cats or dogs?

-- Are there any dogs or cats I should consider who haven’t caught my attention?

Consider behavior and personality, not just looks. Melnyk says it can be heartbreaking to see sometimes shy or reserved cats pawing at people as if trying to get their attention, only to be ignored. Even if a particular animal isn’t what you had in mind, give him a look. You may find a friend for life.

Laura Anne Gilman of Kenmore, Washington, recalls going to a shelter with the idea that she wanted a black kitten. A large orange adult cat reached out to grab her arm both times she walked by. She stopped to see him, and he snuggled his face into her neck. She and Boomer have been together for 15 years now.

Q&A

Is it OK to

bathe cat?

Q: My cat is good about grooming herself, but she spends so much time on my furniture, especially my bed, that I’d like to bathe her weekly. Is that a good idea?

A: I know this will be surprising to many people, but it makes sense to bathe a cat regularly, even one who spends all her time indoors. There are several good reasons for doing so.

The first is that it benefits people who are allergic to cats. As you know, cats bathe themselves with their tongues, and saliva carries allergens. Regular bathing helps to remove not only the remnants of saliva from fur but also dander -- dead skin flakes that also carry allergens. That makes the presence of cats more tolerable to humans with allergies.

Senior cats may need baths to help them stay clean. Often, they have put on some pounds over the years or developed arthritis, both of which can make it difficult for them to groom themselves thoroughly.

Cats who go outdoors may get into sticky stuff, such as chewing gum, tree sap or tar. A bath is also important if a cat has been exposed to a toxic substance. Often, a bath is the most effective way to remove harmful chemicals from the coat. Cats with skin conditions may require medicated baths.

Finally, as you noted, cats spend a lot of time on our furniture. If you don’t want it to become “fur”-niture, brushing and bathing regularly will remove dead hair so it doesn’t fall off the cat and onto your belongings.

I always recommend that people with new kittens accustom them to baths and other grooming from the beginning. If you get them used to it at an early age on a regular schedule, you’ll have a sweeter smelling cat and a cleaner home. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Senior dog earns

advanced sniffing title

-- A Chinese crested named Frasier became the first of his breed to earn an Elite title from the National Association of Canine Scent Work. Frasier was two weeks shy of his 16th birthday when he achieved the coveted title, earned by passing an NACSW NW3 title level three times. “I am over-the-moon-and-back proud of Frasier, who searched in high-90s heat and stayed focused all day,” says handler Judy Peterson of Fullerton, California. “It’s a day I won’t forget.”

-- Bringing home a new pet? Here are five important items to purchase beforehand: a flat collar with an identification tag engraved with your name and at least two phone numbers where you can be reached; a carrier or crate that can be left out in your home so your pet becomes used to hanging out in it and will be comfortable riding in it for car trips or other travel experiences; pet health insurance to cover unexpected or expensive vet visits; an exercise pen or baby gate to help contain your new puppy or kitten in safe areas until his house manners are solid; and weighted stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls to prevent spills.

-- If you compete with your dog in sports such as agility, obedience or nose work trials, you may face the issue of keeping him cool in the car while he waits for his turn in the ring. The following items can help you both chill out: a spray bottle filled with water for misting him (be sure to keep the belly, paws and “underarms” cool); a reflective car cover or vehicle umbrella; a cooling pad for your dog to lie on or a cooling coat for him to wear; and water to help him stay hydrated. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Check out an organization’s policies, protocols and philosophy before handing over your money.

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

These days, it’s not “How much is that puppy in the window?” but “Where did that rescue dog come from?” Last month, the Washington Post reported that some rescue groups pay large sums to purchase adult dogs and puppies from commercial breeders that auction them off. The rescue groups say they are saving the dogs from a life of misery, but opponents say they are simply putting dollars into the pockets of puppy mills, encouraging them to breed more dogs for the auction go-round.

No matter which side you’re on, transparency is the name of the game. Anyone choosing to adopt a pet from a breed-specific or general animal rescue group should ask questions about the organization first. Here’s what to consider.

-- What are the rescue’s bona fides? A rescue organization should be able to provide references from a veterinarian, past adopters or trainers with whom they have worked.

“People should be as wary about rescue groups as they are of breeders, and do due diligence in their search for a rescue dog,” says Renee Bruns of Oklahoma City, national director of American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Trust.

-- What is the animal’s age? Kittens are typically easy to come by, especially during “kitten season” in spring and summer, but puppies are less commonly available from shelters and rescue groups. A rescue organization that regularly has puppies available may be purchasing “oops” litters or puppies from commercial breeders. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a puppy, but acquiring one this way is not necessarily a “rescue;” it’s a purchase.

-- Where does the animal come from? Many shelters and rescue groups, when short on animals in their own areas -- dogs, in particular -- import animals from shelters in other states or even from out of the country. That eases pressure on shelters and rescue groups with too many animals, but it can also spread disease and parasites to parts of the country where they aren’t typically found.

Cornell University virologist Ed Dubovi, Ph.D., says two recent canine influenza outbreaks in the United States are linked to viral sequences of influenza viruses that exist in Korea. Several rescue organizations bring dogs in from Korea and other Asian countries.

Reputable rescue groups have stringent health and safety protocols to prevent disease and parasite transmission. Ask if dogs six months or older were tested and treated, if necessary, for heartworm disease and other conditions before relocation.

-- How much is the adoption fee? Some rescue organizations charge hundreds of dollars, especially for purebred dogs. For a purebred dog in good health, $400 isn’t unreasonable, says Maryanne Dell, founder of Shamrock Rescue Foundation in Orange County, California. For that fee, though, she would expect a rescue organization, at a minimum, to have had the dog temperament-tested, checked by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.

“If we get into much over $300 or $400 for a dog, I’m going to ask if the rescue is going to auctions and buying purebreds, and why,” she says. “I would want to have that high adoption fee itemized. If this is a dog who was hit by a car and the rescue paid $4,000 to fix it, and the dog is awesome and they showed me the bills, I might not balk at a $500 adoption fee.”

Her own organization charges a $200 adoption fee. It doesn’t recoup her costs, but it assures her that adopters value the animal.

-- Any red flags? Instant gratification isn’t necessarily a good thing. Be concerned if a rescue group tries to push an animal on you or doesn’t make any effort to check out what kind of home you would provide. Easy access to a dog, no in-home interview, willingness to ship dogs, and frequent availability of puppies are all signs that you may be dealing with a “dog flipper” who is selling animals for profit instead of an actual rescue group.

Next week: what to ask about an animal you’re considering adopting.

Q&A

Pomeranian’s fur

falls out, doesn’t regrow

Q: We have a 7-year-old blue merle Pomeranian whose fur started falling out when he was 2 or 3 years old. Now his torso, neck and tail are bald except for a few tufts of woolly fur. He’s been tested for many conditions, including hypothyroidism, and I think he has something called alopecia X. Is there anything we can try to regrow his fur? -- via Facebook

A: Pomeranians, along with other Nordic breeds and toy and miniature poodles, can develop a coat condition called alopecia X. It’s also known as black-skin disease, adult-onset growth hormone deficiency, and castration-responsive alopecia. Linda A. Frank, DVM, professor of dermatology at University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, calls it hair cycle arrest.

Dogs with this condition lose hair over most of the body, typically leaving only the head and feet with fur. The skin may thicken and turn dark. Alopecia X can occur before the dog is a year old, or much later in life. It appears to be more common in males than females. And while little is known about the disease, your dog’s blue merle coloring may also be a factor.

Sometimes the coat comes back on its own, but the fur is thin and soft. In some cases, the condition responds to treatment, although there isn’t a “one size fits all” fix. As you may have guessed from the term “castration-responsive alopecia,” the hair may regrow several months after the dog is spayed or neutered.

According to the University of Tennessee’s web page on hair loss, supplementation with oral melatonin has benefits in 30 to 40 percent of dogs with the disease. Check with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog has diabetes or has not been definitely diagnosed with alopecia X, and make sure the melatonin pills do not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

What to do if a

pet is poisoned

-- Think your pet has been poisoned? If you know what he was exposed to, bring your vet the product label or package the toxin came in. If your pet has gotten into pills, bring them in, even if you don’t have the package. The pill’s imprint code can be useful in identifying the drug. The poison control center may also ask about your pet’s breed, sex, age, weight and health condition. If possible, tell them when and where the pet was exposed, how much was ingested, and what signs the animal exhibits. Don’t induce vomiting until you’ve spoken to your veterinarian or a poison control center expert.

-- Maddie’s Fund honored 10 animal welfare leaders last month with Maddie Hero Awards for their efforts to help bring about a “no-kill” nation. The award comes with $10,000 to each person’s organization to help further their community’s lifesaving efforts and big-picture thinking. The 2018 Maddie Hero Award winners are: Alan Borgal, Animal Rescue League, Boston; Jon Cicirelli, San Jose Animal Care and Services, California; Ryan Clinton, attorney, Austin, Texas; Denise Deisler, Jacksonville Humane Society, Florida; Wayne Ivey, Sheriff, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office South Animal Care Center, Florida; Teresa Johnson, Kansas City Pet Project, Missouri; Aimee Sadler, Dogs Playing for Life, Colorado; Risa Weinstock, Animal Care Centers of New York City; Lori Weise, Downtown Dog Rescue, Los Angeles; and Makena Yarbrough, Lynchburg Humane Society, Virginia.

-- When you think of pet bunnies, the solid white rabbit that so many of us knew as kids may be the first to spring to mind, but the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 49 different rabbit breeds. They include the American chinchilla, American fuzzy lop, checkered giant, Dutch, dwarf Hotot, English Angora, English lop, Flemish giant, harlequin, Himalayan, Holland lop, lionhead, mini rex, Netherland dwarf and New Zealand. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.