As our beloved pets grow older, one of the most common orthopaedic conditions they face is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease affects both dogs and cats, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Just like in humans, arthritis in pets is a progressive condition, but the good news is that with early recognition and proper management, we can significantly improve their quality of life.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, or simply arthritis, is a condition where the smooth cartilage lining a joint begins to wear away. As this happens, the bones within the joint lose their protective layer, leading to inflammation, pain, and a gradual loss of flexibility. The body responds by creating new bone growth around the joint, but this can worsen the situation, limiting movement and increasing discomfort. Certain breeds, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, are particularly prone to joint issues, but arthritis can affect any breed at any age.
Unlike in humans, where arthritis usually develops after years of wear and tear, in pets, it is often linked to an underlying problem in the joint. The most commonly affected joints in dogs are the elbows, hips and knees and the arthritis is invariably associated with underlying elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament problems. Dysplasia means the abnormal development of a joint during growth, and so these problems can affect very young dogs. Sadly, it’s not uncommon to see puppies sometimes as young as six months of age with elbow and hip dysplasia and early signs of arthritis. Elbow and hip dysplasia are inherited diseases and in the UK there is a screening programme for each coordinated by the British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club. Your first step to minimising the risk of your future puppy getting arthritis should therefore be to use a reputable breeder and check the parents of a new puppy have good elbow and hip scores. It won’t guarantee your puppy will avoid problems but it will make it much more likely.
Recognising the signs of arthritis
One of the biggest challenges for pet owners is recognising when their dog or cat is in pain. Because animals don’t cry out in discomfort the way we might expect, their signs of pain can be subtle at first. You might notice your dog hesitating before jumping into the car or struggling to get up after a long nap. Maybe they start to lag behind on walks when they used to race ahead, or they play less with their favourite toys.
Cats can be even trickier. They’re masters at hiding discomfort, but you might notice that they stop jumping onto the windowsill or take the stairs more slowly than before. Some cats may start missing the litter tray because squatting becomes painful.
If you’re seeing any of these changes, don’t just assume it’s normal aging. A trip to the vet can help determine whether arthritis is the culprit and what can be done to help. A thorough examination, including x-rays will be required to diagnose arthritis and will enable your vet to establish the best treatment and management plan possible.
Managing arthritis in pets
While arthritis can’t be cured and there is no single ‘silver-bullet’ for treatment nor a ‘one size fits all’ management strategy, there are numerous ways to keep your pet comfortable and happy. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual pet, taking into account their level of pain, overall health, and lifestyle.
For many pets, the first step in managing arthritis is medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, and they can make a world of difference, particularly in acute flare ups. Once the initial pain is controlled, longer term lifestyle changes should be implemented to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. More recently, novel monoclonal antibody treatments targeting nerve growth factor receptor in arthritic joints have offered another medical option. These are long-acting and are given as monthly injections that help block pain signals from arthritic joints. Similar drugs in humans can accelerate arthritis in a small proportion of patients and this has also been raised as a concern in dogs. These drugs may however be a reasonable option for those owners that can not medicate their pet at home or for pets which do not tolerate NSAIDs.
For pets that need long-term NSAIDs or need additional relief, or for pets whose disease is more advanced, joint injections are an option. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy are becoming increasingly popular, although their effectiveness varies from pet to pet. Their description can be a bit misleading, as they do not regenerate tissue in the joint to any meaningful extent but they can provide an anti-inflammatory effect in the joint and thus provide symptomatic relief. Steroid injections can also be used in more severe cases, particularly for older pets who need extra relief.
The role of diet and exercise
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of managing arthritis is maintaining a healthy weight. Carrying excess pounds puts additional strain on already sore joints, making arthritis symptoms much worse. If your pet has started to slow down, their weight might be creeping up, so it’s worth checking in with your vet about whether they need to shed a few pounds.
Exercise is still important for arthritic pets, but it needs to be the right kind of activity. Gentle, regular movement helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong. Instead of one long walk, try a few shorter ones throughout the day, and cut out ball-play or other activities which involve a lot of fast twisting and turning. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can also be incredibly helpful in maintaining strength and mobility.
Making life easier at home
Simple changes around the house can make a huge difference for a pet with arthritis. If you have slippery floors, placing rugs or mats down can prevent painful slips. Blocking access to stairs can also be helpful. Ramps can help dogs get in and out of the car, and soft, supportive bedding can relieve pressure on sore joints. If your cat is struggling with high jumps, consider getting a step or a lower perch so they can still enjoy their favourite spots without discomfort.
Do joint supplements work?
Many pet owners are keen to use joint supplements, and there are a wide range available for our pets. Understanding which ones to use can be confusing and many make claims which are difficult to substantiate. Their value is hard to quantify, and while it is clear that they do not substantially alter the damage arthritis does to a joint, supplements such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine/chondroitin combinations may provide a low-level of symptomatic pain relief. Your vet can help you choose the best option for your pet.
When surgery might be an option
For pets with severe arthritis, surgery may be worth considering. Total hip replacements, for example, have been performed in dogs for decades, and the implants and techniques have evolved so that total hip replacement is now an option for dogs of all sizes and even cats. At a clinic such as ours hip replacement surgery is routine and can be life-changing for cats and dogs struggling with hip pain. Surgery is usually not the first-line treatment for arthritis but the exception to this is knee arthritis in dogs. This is usually indicative of a cruciate ligament problem and addressing the underlying cruciate problem surgically will be the best way to restore function to the dog and slow the progression of arthritis in the joint.
Finding the right support
Arthritis is a long-term condition, but that doesn’t mean your pet has to suffer. The key to managing it successfully is having the right support system. Many veterinary clinics now offer arthritis management programs, where you can get tailored advice on medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Veterinary physiotherapists and hydrotherapists can also be invaluable, providing treatments that improve mobility and reduce pain.
If you’re looking for extra resources, websites like www.vetlessons.com and www.caninearthritis.co.uk offer fantastic advice on arthritis management.
Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of an active, happy life for your pet. With the right combination of pain management, lifestyle adjustments, and veterinary support, they can continue to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. If you think your pet might be struggling with arthritis, don’t wait—talk to your vet and start making changes today. A little extra care can make a world of difference in keeping them comfortable and mobile for years to come.
Andy Moores BVSc DSAS(Orth) DipECVS FRCVS
RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics), EBVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Chairman, British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association
The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, Hampshire, mooresortho.com
