As many as 80% of dogs over age 8 suffer from arthritis and as many as 92% of cats. Veterinarian Dr. Shelby Neely explains the symptoms to look for and treatments to help your pet stay comfortable and active.
Perhaps you are familiar with arthritis because you’ve suffered from it yourself. Arthritis doesn’t just affect older individuals. It can be hereditary or follow a traumatic injury. It’s uncomfortable or excruciating. Fortunately, in people, there are many ways to treat it that can make you feel better, from medications to physical therapy to surgery. We have come a long way in veterinary medicine, and pets have most of the same possible treatments. Your pet doesn’t have to suffer a life of discomfort any longer. This blog post will cover arthritis, its causes, and the modern treatments available.
What is Arthritis in Pets?
Many people refer to arthritis as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Whatever name you use, it’s the same—a progressive inflammation of the joints. While it’s often considered a condition affecting only elderly pets, arthritis affects all ages. Just as with people, it can be hereditary or follow a traumatic injury. Over time, the protective cartilage within the joint wears down, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
Although more common in senior pets, arthritis is frequently underdiagnosed, particularly in cats, because cats often hide discomfort until the disease is significantly advanced.
Causes of Arthritis in Cats and Dogs
- There are several causes and contributing factors for arthritis in pets, including:
- Age: Wear and tear on joints over time naturally leads to cartilage breakdown.
- Obesity: Excess weight on joints adds additional strain.
- Genetics: Certain breeds are predisposed to joint issues. Labradors and German Shepherds are an example.
- Injury or trauma: If your cat or dog suffers an injury such as a fracture or ligament tear, joints may be more susceptible to arthritis.
- Infections or autoimmune diseases: Examples are Lyme disease or immune-mediated arthritis.
- Poor conformation: Skeletal abnormalities (like elbow dysplasia) can predispose pets to arthritis from an early age.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Pets
Recognizing the signs of arthritis early can significantly improve outcomes. Symptoms may vary between dogs and cats, but typical indicators include:
In Dogs:
- Lameness, especially after exercise or rest
- Difficulty getting into cars or climbing stairs
- Stiffness upon rising
- Decreased activity or playfulness
- Sensitivity when touched around joints
In Cats:
- Reluctance to jump
- Decreased grooming
- Difficulty getting in and out of litter boxes
- Decreased appetite or social withdrawal
- Hiding
Because cats are particularly adept at masking pain, their symptoms are often subtler than dogs’.
Diagnosing Arthritis in Pets
If your vet suspects arthritis, a complete exam of response to pain, gait, and joint flexibility will be performed. Imaging may be necessary, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. In some cases, joint fluid analysis might be conducted.
Veterinary x-ray dog knee joint. Talking to your vet about treatment options can help slow the progression of arthritis, so your pet can stay active and comfortable longer.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
Arthritis cannot be cured, but many treatments can help manage the disease and improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Medications
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and pain.
- Pain relievers: gabapentin or tramadol may be used alongside NSAIDs.
- Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs): Adequan® injections can help protect cartilage and improve joint function.
Supplements
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help maintain cartilage health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Green-lipped mussel extract may reduce joint inflammation.
Weight Management
Getting pets to lose weight is difficult, but putting less weight on the joints is so important. In fact, losing weight is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s joints.
Physical Therapy
It may surprise you to learn that veterinary treatments for arthritis include hydrotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and structured exercise programs to maintain muscle mass and joint function.
Environmental Modifications
Minor alterations around your home can help your pet enormously in managing arthritis.
- Provide orthopedic pet beds.
- Use ramps to avoid stair climbing.
- Raise food and water bowls.
- Use low-entry litter boxes for cats.
Surgery
It may be even more surprising to hear that joint replacement, arthroscopy, or joint fusion are also used to help animals with arthritis.
Holistic and Alternative Therapies
Some pet owners like holistic veterinary care and choose the following to help manage arthritis. Options include:
- Acupuncture: This may help with pain relief and improve mobility.
- Massage therapy: Helps stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension.
- CBD oil: Some early studies and anecdotal reports suggest it may help with pet inflammation and pain (always consult your vet first).
Living with a Pet with Arthritis: Daily Tips
Caring for a pet with arthritis means changing daily routines to keep your pet comfortable.
- Keep nails trimmed.
- Provide non-slip surfaces (like rugs or mats).
- Encourage low-impact, regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility, such as gentle walking or hydrotherapy.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor arthritis progression and adjust treatment as needed.
Final Thoughts: Arthritis Doesn’t Have to Define Your Pet’s Life
Arthritis is a chronic condition, but many pets live full, happy lives with early detection, proper treatment, and supportive care. Advances in veterinary medicine mean your furry companion doesn’t have to suffer in silence.
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Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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