Compassionate Pet Arthritis Treatment And Prevention Care In Citrus Heights, CA

Comprehensive Examination and History

We start with a comprehensive examination and history. We spend time exploring your lifestyle, keeping in mind things you and your dog or cat love to do together.

Types of Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis. Some can occur due to infectious disease (such as an infection from a tick bite), and others can be caused by inflammation from an over-active immune system. It is extremely important for us to determine what type of arthritis your pet is suffering from so we can provide the proper treatment. Treatment for a tick-borne infection might involve antibiotics, for instance, while treating immune-mediated arthritis can involve more complex therapy involving immunosuppressives.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis and Management

If we diagnose osteoarthritis in your dog or cat, our goals involve minimizing pain, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of the condition.

Weight Control

A cornerstone of osteoarthritis management is weight control. Making sure your beloved friend is the ideal weight for their stage in life is of utmost importance for comfort and mobility. We work with your family in adjusting diet and potentially incorporating individualized nutrition supplements into everyday life.

Exercise and Movement

We discuss exercise and movement, highlighting exercise that will help your pet, vs. activities that might be harmful. We discuss the best way to set up your pet’s home environment to make sure we are doing everything possible to slow the progression of the disease.

Identifying the Location of Osteoarthritis

Identifying the locations(s) of your pet’s osteoarthritis is important. Perhaps an old injury had resulted in a one-sided limp and had caused your pet to alter their gait, putting additional stress on muscles and ligaments on the opposite side of the body. Our physical exam can reveal a great deal, as well as targeted x-rays of your pet’s joints.

Medication for Osteoarthritis

Once we have made the diagnosis of significant osteoarthritis in your pet, we will start a conversation about possible medication.

Prescription Medications

There are a plethora of prescription osteoarthritis medications available for companion animals, and each one acts and is metabolized in a slightly different way. If your pet has not had recent routine lab work, we will recommend a panel to identify any underlying organ issues. This allows us to tailor medications to your pet’s specific needs.

Specialized Medications

Arthritis in the spine, for instance, may lead to secondary referred pain from pinched nerves, and may require a different category of medications. Muscle spasm from an altered or asymmetrical gait may also require a different approach when it comes to pharmaceuticals.

Monthly Injectable Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

The dawn of monthly injectable monoclonal antibody treatment for these patients has opened new doors to pain relief for dogs and cats that would otherwise not be able to tolerate treatment.

Supportive Treatments

When building a management plan for your pet, we will also recommend you explore a multitude of supportive treatments to maximize your pet’s quality of life. Physical therapy with underwater treadmill, massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and laser therapy are some of the additional treatments we may recommend for your pet.

Surgery for Unstable Joints

In a small number of cases, a patient may have a chronically unstable joint, either due to a destabilizing injury or to abnormal development of that joint. Instability can lead to cartilage breakdown and a very rapid progression of arthritis. In some of these cases, our doctors might determine that surgery is the best course of action. Surgeries can rapidly stabilize a joint to take pressure off surrounding structures that were previously causing pain.

Joint Replacement Surgery

In rare cases, surgical replacement of a joint is an option. If this is deemed a possibility, our doctors will refer you to an orthopedic specialist for consultation.

Why choose Citrus Heights Pet Hospital?

We spend time with you and your pet including a lifestyle evaluation and consultation with you, as the owner. We provide a spectrum of care, providing a series of options tailored to your individual needs and philosophy. We don’t believe in judging owners based on what care they can or desire to provide.

Experienced and Compassionate Veterinarians

Our team of seasoned veterinarians holds a vast wealth of experience and a deep-rooted love for all creatures. They are dedicated to more than just curing diseases but also ensuring your furry friend’s overall well-being.

We strive to provide the most comfortable environment possible for you and your family (two- and four-legged). Our facility has state of the art air handling systems designed to minimize stress in our patients as well as help prevent transmission of infectious disease to animals and people. The clinic has a visually low stress interior design with calming color palettes and materials that resemble nature and the outdoors. As well, our art is intentionally chosen to avoid causing any fear responses in our patients.

State-of-the-art Facilities and Equipment

At our pet hospital, we take pride in our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our clinic is equipped with the latest advancements in veterinary technology to ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of care.

Personalized Care For Your Pet

Our skilled and caring veterinarians take the time to understand you and your pet, customizing our services to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s a regular check-up or addressing a particular health issue, we are committed to providing individualized attention for your beloved companion. With us, you can trust that your pet is in capable hands – from preventive care to specialized treatments.

Convenient Location

Our veterinary hospital is conveniently located in Citrus Heights, making it easily accessible for pet owners in the surrounding areas. Whether you live in Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, or any of the nearby cities, our clinic is just a short drive away.

This means you won’t have to travel far to provide your furry friend with the care they need. With our convenient location, scheduling and attending your pet’s annual exam is hassle-free and convenient for both you and your pet.

Acceptance of Insurance Plans

We understand the importance of providing affordable and accessible veterinary care for your beloved pets. That’s why at Citrus Heights Pet Hospital, we accept a variety of insurance plans, including Trupanion and others.

Our goal is to make it easier for you to prioritize your pet’s health by utilizing your insurance coverage. By accepting these plans, we aim to ensure that pet owners in Citrus Heights and surrounding areas have access to quality veterinary services without financial stress.

Take Your Pet To Citrus Heights Pet Hospital Today!

At Citrus Heights Pet Hospital, we understand the importance of providing top-quality veterinary care for your beloved pets. Don’t wait until it’s too late – bring your furry friend to Citrus Heights Pet Hospital today! Trust us with their arthritis treatment and prevention care so they can enjoy a happy and pain-free life.

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