Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Cherokee Animal Care Clinic

1100 US 441 N

WHITTIER, NC 28789 US

(828) 497-3401

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Meet Our Team
    • Services
  • Contact Us
  • Pet Resort & Boarding
  • Pet Supply
  • Farm/Large Animal Care
  • Pet Gallery
  • Laser Therapy
  • Hours of Operation / After Hours Emergency Care
  • No Interest Payment Plans
  • Common Questions on Laser Therapy Treatments
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Dogs
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
      • Cats
      • Rabbits
      • Birds
      • Ferrets
    • Feline
    • Pets4Kids
    • Client Survey
    • Video Newsroom
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
      • Health Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Orthopedics
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Chronic Conditions
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Saying Goodbye
      • Providing Care
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Travel
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Newsletter Library
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Cats
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Fun with Pets
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • We Help Your Pet With >
  • Orthopedics >
  • Arthritis

Arthritis

  • Created in We Help Your Pet With, Orthopedics
Image of an old dog.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which can be due to wear and tear on joints from over use, aging, injury, or from an unstable joint such as which occurs with a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee.

The chronic form of this disease is called degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is estimated that 20% of dogs older than one year of age have some form of DJD. One study showed that 90% of cats over 12 years of age had evidence of DJD on x-rays.

Other causes of the inflammation can be infectious. Septic arthritis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Lyme disease or Ehrlichia infection can also cause arthritis. Auto-immune diseases, or what is now called immune- mediated diseases, such as Lupus can cause swollen, painful, inflamed joints. More rarely, tumors can cause arthritis.

Treatment for arthritis should be directed to the inciting cause if possible. Surgery may be needed to stabilize a joint. DJD may be treated with NSAID's, pain medication such as Tramadol, cartilage protective agents such as glucosamine or Adequan, acupuncture, or as a last resort, steroids. NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have many types. In general, it is recommended to use NSAID's developed for pets, and not ones made for use in people as those are highly likely to cause ulcers in dogs, and most NSAID's can't be used in cats.

  • Finding Your Pet
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Dogs
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
    • Cats
    • Rabbits
    • Birds
    • Ferrets
  • Feline
  • Pets4Kids
  • Client Survey
  • Video Newsroom
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
    • Health Topics
  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Orthopedics
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Chronic Conditions
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Saying Goodbye
    • Providing Care
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Travel
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Newsletter Library
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Cats
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Fun with Pets
    • Keeping Pets Healthy

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I love this vet! Dr. Robbie is the best! Great staff also! The staff is so caring. I had to board my two cats while I was in the process of moving and they took great care of them! Not only that I was worried because my cat wasn't breathing well and she ended up having asthma and Dr. Robbie did everything to get her back to feeling better. My baby is doing great!!"
    Elmo B. (Whittier, NC)

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • 6 Questions to Ask At Your Senior Pet's Next Check Up

    Want to keep your senior pet healthy and happy? Ask these six questions at your pet's next check up. ...

    Read More
  • Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

    As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against ...

    Read More
  • Pet Clothes: A Fashion Statement or a Necessity?

    There is nothing cuter than a pet in a colorful sweater, but do our furry friends really need to wear clothing? Although clothing is not a necessity for every pet, some animals benefit from a little extra protection during cold or damp days. Others enjoy wearing festive clothing during holidays or other ...

    Read More
  • Introducing a New Pet to Your Current Ones

    Pet Proofing Your Home Introducing your new pet to your current one is only a single part of the equation relating to taking a new pet home. You also have to make sure your new pet is comfortable in your home, which is a foreign environment to the animal. Like humans, animals can experience high levels ...

    Read More
  • Put Some Teeth Into Your Pet’s Dental Care

    According to the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of pets suffer from dental problems because their owners do not provide dental care for them. Imagine what would happen to your own teeth if they were never brushed or examined by a dentist. The same thing can happen with your pet’s ...

    Read More
  • Managing Pet Allergies in Kids

    Are you concerned that your child's allergies may mean that you will have to give up your pet? Although rehoming a pet may be necessary if allergies are severe, most children can live with pets if you are willing to make a few changes. The Problem About three in 10 people who have allergies are allergic ...

    Read More
  • Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye

    It's not easy to say goodbye to cherished pets, even those that have lived long, happy lives. Although you may hate the thought of life without your pet, euthanasia can be the kindest decision you can make when your friend is suffering. Making the Decision If your pet has been seriously injured in a ...

    Read More
  • Is a Wet Nose a Sign of a Healthy Pet?

    Have you ever heard that a wet nose is a sign that your pet is healthy? Although that's often the case, it's not always true. A moist nose can benefit your pet in several ways, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee good health. How Does a Wet Nose Help My Pet? Have you ever been woken at 5 a.m. by a cold, ...

    Read More
  • Obesity and Diabetes in Pets

    Think diabetes only affect people? Overweight pets may be at risk too. ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map