[CorkyMax]

Arthritis: I was just going to give a hint or 2 on this subject and I checked back in 'search' to see what all was in this forum---found this which is worth bringing to the front again: Arthritis/Back Pain--Good info about the Drugs For, etc. And here are the hints I was going to put here 1st:
To soothe arthritis pain, fill a sock with uncooked rice (not too compactly!), tie a knot in the end, and heat in the microwave for 1 minute (or longer if you think it is not warm enough--not too hot though!). Place the warm sock directly over painful joints twice a day for 15 mins. The reusable heating pad conforms wherever applied, and the rice lasts inside the sock for years.

You can use the same idea to soothe back pain and minor muscle stiffness too. But put it on the affected area and hold it in place for up to 15 mins 3 times a day. To keep your pet still, gently rub his ears. The heat can boost circulation and potentially speed up the healing process.

Limping : I combined this subject with the arthritis because you can use the sock idea above to soothe a sore leg---Apply the warm filled sock directly over the affected area twice a day for 15 mins. (This was not stated but I don't think you should put warm on a swollen area so I would only use the warm after the swelling has gone away if it is/was swollen!--If swollen I would use the following cool/cold ideas further down below.

If your dog or cat is limping around the house, he most likely strained a muscle or has a sore paw. The tenderness typically heals after a few days. A limp may be symptomatic of a foreign object embedded in your pet's paw. Check for a thorn, foxtail, nail, pebble/rock, or a piece of glass. To help a limping dog or cat recover, allow your pet to rest and restrict walks for 2 to 3 days to give the leg time to heal.

If you have a sneaking suspicion that your pet's limp stems from a strained muscle that will heal on it's own in a few days, use a plastic bag of frozen peas as an ice pack to relieve the pain and reduce swelling. If the bag of peas feels too cold, wrap the bag in a sheet or 2 of paper towels. Apply the ice pack to the affected area for 5 to 10 mins at least 4 times a day. The bag of peas conforms to the contours of your pet's body, and you can refreeze the peas for future ice-pack use--just label the bag for ice-pack use only!
Another way to make a cold compress is to prepare Jell-o according to directions on the box and let it cool enough to pour into a Ziploc freezer bag until 3/4 full. Seal the bag securely and freeze--You have a flexible ice pack. When the gelatin melts, simply refreeze.

IF YOUR DOG OR CAT CONTINUES LIMPING FOR MORE THAN 48--72 HOURS, YOUR PET MAY BE SUFFERING FROM A FRACTURED BONE. TAKE THE ANIMAL TO THE VET FOR TREATMENT!

If a fractured leg is indicated, you may wish to immobilize the injured leg with a splint before taking your pet to the vet. Roll up a section of a large newspaper into a tube. Using a pair of scissors, cut the length of the tube to match the length of your pet's leg. Slip your pet's leg through the tube, and use packaging tape to secure the tube in place. Carefully pick up your pet, keeping the injured leg still, place him in the car, and take him to the vet immediately for treatment. Or you could also do this--wrap a washcloth or hand towel around the leg and then wrap that with an elastic bandage.

Use a blanket as a stretcher for your pet. Place your dog or cat in the center of the blanket, and have 2 people each lift 2 corners of the blanket to carry the pet.

[Dr Chris]

Hello I am a vet and have had a lot of experience with arthritis. It is a big topic so I thought I would just touch on a common cause - cruciate injuries. These can happen suddenly or over a long period of time. If one leg is injured there is a good chance the other will also go, so you need to get knee problems treated as soon as possible.

Here is some extra information that might be of help.

[quinys]

I think this is a really good post with some very good advice given by CorkyMax.

It is really scary when your animal develops a limp as you just know that a visit to the vets is going to cost a fortune.

Well done CM. Can i also mention that there is a product that also helps with hips, arthritis, cruciates that is now available. You can see it on dogaids.com

I found that swimming really helps with the above mentioned problems and this well worth considering.