Arthritis is common in pets, and the condition can cause them pain and decrease their mobility. However, many owners attribute their pets’ arthritis signs to normal aging-related changes, which leaves these dogs and cats untreated. If your pet has arthritis, recognizing and managing their signs is important to help alleviate pain and improve your pet’s quality of life. Our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team explains everything pet owners need to know about arthritis.

Pet arthritis 101

Pets’ most common arthritis type is osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that causes cartilage deterioration inside the joint, inflaming and damaging the surrounding tissues and underlying bone. Factors that contribute to OA development include:

  • Senior pets — Older pets are more likely to develop OA because of their joints’ chronic wear and tear.
  • Excess weight — Overweight and obese pets have an increased OA risk. The additional weight places excess strain on their joints, and the surplus fat tissue produces inflammatory cells that exacerbate the inflammation within the joint.
  • Injury — Pets who experience an injury in or around a joint have an increased OA risk. 
  • Joint developmental disorders — Pets with joint developmental disorders, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, have a high OA risk.
  • Genetics — Some breeds have an increased risk for orthopedic conditions that typically lead to OA. Examples include German shepherd dogs who have an increased hip dysplasia risk and Abyssinian cats who have an increased patella luxation risk.

Arthritis signs in pets

In most cases, arthritic pets don’t have a noticeable limp. Signs tend to be subtle, which can make recognizing the problem difficult for pet owners. Signs to be on the lookout for include:

  • Decreased interest in play
  • Slowing down on walks
  • Reluctance to jump on or off elevated surfaces
  • Difficulty navigating stairs
  • Stiffness, especially after resting
  • Increased time spent sleeping or resting
  • Sleeping in easily accessible locations
  • Eliminating outside the litter box
  • Hiding more often than usual
  • Irritability toward people or other pets in the home
  • Unkempt hair coat from inadequate grooming

Arthritis diagnosis in pets

Early diagnosis is important so the arthritis can be managed, helping improve your pet’s quality of life. Diagnostics include:

  • Videos — Having a video of the way your pet moves or navigates stairs at home is helpful since pets often don’t act like their normal selves at the veterinary clinic.
  • Physical exam — Our team performs your pet’s thorough nose-to-tail exam, which includes joint palpation and manipulation to test for discomfort and decreased range of motion.
  • X-rays — We may recommend X-rays to determine the extent of an affected joint’s damage.

Arthritis management in pets

Arthritis has no cure, but proper management can significantly reduce your pet’s discomfort and improve their quality of life. A multimodal treatment approach is most beneficial and may include:

  • Weight loss — If your pet is overweight, our team will devise a safe and effective weight loss strategy.
  • Pain medications — Daily oral pain medications can be helpful to manage inflammation and discomfort.
  • Injectables — Monthly injectables are now available to help manage your pet’s pain.
  • Supplements — Our team may recommend supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, to help support your pet’s joint health.
  • Physical rehabilitation — Daily, low-grade physical activity helps strengthen muscles and improves joint mobility.
  • Home modification — Home modifications, such as placing ramps near elevated resting places, providing orthopedic beds, and making food and water bowls easily accessible, are important to support your arthritic pet.
  • Surgery — In some cases, surgery may be recommended to help alleviate your pet’s discomfort and prevent further joint damage.

If your pet has slowed down, contact our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team so we can check them for arthritis and devise an appropriate management plan.