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7608 Maple Street New Orleans, LA 70118 Phone: 504-866-6316
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Sep 26 2024
Understanding Functional Mobility in Dogs and Cats with Arthritis
Home » News » Understanding Functional Mobility In Dogs And Cats With Arthritis
Mobility is a broad term that refers to the general ability to move, such as by walking or running. Functional mobility refers to an animal’s ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from lying down. It focuses on how well the animal can function in their daily life.
Functional mobility considers specific actions related to daily living, while mobility is more general and can include any type of movement.
Arthritis commonly affects both dogs and cats, and negatively impacts their ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, jumping, or climbing stairs. It is critical to recognize signs of functional mobility issues early on, so you can manage pain and improve your pet’s quality of life.
How is functional mobility assessed?
Dogs and cats with arthritis may show subtle signs, like stiffness or reluctance to move. However, subjective observations alone don’t reliably determine the severity of arthritis. That’s where Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMIs) come into play.
Once you’ve established a baseline for your pet’s functional mobility using the CMI, you can help track how well your pet responds to treatments. If the scores worsen, it may indicate that your pet’s current pain management plan isn’t effective and needs adjustment. Conversely, if the scores improve, it may indicate that specific treatments, like medication or physical therapy, are working.
If your pet’s mobility score shows a decline, it’s time to act. For both dogs and cats, pain management is essential to maintaining functional mobility and improving quality of life. Early intervention through medication, lifestyle changes, or therapeutic exercises can prevent further decline. With tools like LOAD and MI-CAT(C), you and your vet can create a personalized care plan and track its effectiveness.
Monitoring your dog or cat’s functional mobility using CMIs gives you a clearer, more objective view of their arthritis pain. These tools help you identify when your pet needs additional support, ensuring their comfort and mobility for years to come.
LifeLearn News
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
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