Arthritis—also known as osteoarthritis—is a degenerative joint condition that affects dogs and cats, but often goes unrecognized by pet owners. Many changes that pet owners associate with normal aging, such as reduced activity, lack of tolerance for exercise or play, and sleeping more, may actually be signs of arthritis and associated pain. The Bartow Animal Clinic team knows that arthritis pain can significantly impact your furry pal’s quality of life, so we are providing everything pet owners should know about arthritis in dogs and cats.

What is arthritis in pets?

Arthritis is a degenerative and progressive disease that impacts most pets by the time they reach their senior years. Arthritis begins when the cartilage inside joints breaks down, causing inflammation and pain. The inflammation causes further tissue damage inside the joint and leads to additional pain and inflammation. The cycle continues, and pets become progressively more painful, with reduced mobility, until interventions stop or slow the process. Any joint can be affected, including the spine, hips, knees, elbows, ankles (i.e., hocks), or wrists (i.e., carpi). 

Arthritis signs in dogs

Arthritic dogs tend to show more obvious signs than cats, although you may not notice changes until their arthritis progresses. Then, signs may include:

  • Limping
  • A bunny-hopping gait
  • Trouble jumping or with stairs
  • Crying out
  • Stiffness after resting
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Reduced activity or play

Arthritis signs in cats

Most cat owners fail to recognize early arthritis signs or believe another problem is causing their cat’s behavior changes. Signs are often subtle and overlap with other conditions, and may include:

  • Difficulty jumping or using stairs
  • Poor grooming
  • Stretched-out sleeping positions
  • Accidents outside the litter box
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Hiding or social withdrawal
  • Reduced activity or play

Arthritis risk factors and diagnosis in pets

Age is the most common risk factor for arthritis development, with middle-aged and older pets most frequently affected. Younger pets may develop arthritis if they have abnormal joint conformation (e.g., hip or elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas) or after an injury or surgery. Obesity and being overweight are additional risk factors that can worsen arthritis, because these pets find exercising and maintaining joint strength more difficult and because excess fat can perpetuate systemic inflammation.

Veterinarians can diagnose arthritis from physical examination findings, which often include reduced range of motion, joint popping or clicking, joint pain, and muscle atrophy. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis but do not help in assessing severity, because pain and dysfunction do not directly correlate with visible bone changes. Your veterinarian may “accidentally” diagnose arthritis during a routine visit, or from X-rays taken for another problem. To ensure all arthritic pets receive proper treatment, we recommend annual or semiannual preventive wellness examinations.

Arthritis treatment options for pets

Arthritis treatment is customized to each individual pet and may include a combination of medications, alternative therapies, supplements, and exercise. Your pet’s temperament, disease severity, and lifestyle will dictate which therapies work best. Popular options include:

  • Medication — Pain and anti-inflammatory medications improve joint comfort and halt inflammation.
  • Joint health supplements — Oral or injectable joint protectant compounds may slow cartilage loss.
  • Injectable long-acting pain medication — Once-monthly injectable drugs target a specific substance in the pain pathway and are ideal for difficult-to-medicate pets.
  • Physical therapy — Physical therapy’s many different modalities include therapeutic exercise, range of motion exercise, water treadmill, land treadmill, swim therapy, ultrasound, TENS, and more.
  • Prescription diets — Therapeutic veterinary diets have a low calorie density and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
  • Regenerative therapies — Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapies are specialized procedures that help regenerate damaged tissues.
  • Surgery — Arthritis surgery, which includes joint fusion or amputation, is usually a last-resort option.

Arthritis prevention in pets

When you know your pet’s risk factors, you can take proactive action against arthritis. Try the following strategies to delay arthritis onset:

  • Start pre-emptive joint supplements in dogs with joint dysplasias or after an injury or surgery.
  • Maintain a lean weight with proper nutrition for your pet’s activity level.
  • Encourage controlled exercise to maintain joint strength and flexibility.

Arthritis causes pain, reduced mobility, and reduced quality of life, but treatments are available to address these issues and improve pet comfort. Schedule a visit with the Bartow Animal Clinic team if you suspect your pet has arthritis, or to learn more about the arthritis treatments that our veterinary team recommends.