Many people believe arthritis is a condition only senior pets develop. However, pets of any age can develop this degenerative disease. To help maintain your pet’s mobility, learn how to slow this debilitating condition’s progress, and soothe your pet’s aching joints. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team answers your questions about cats’ and dogs’ arthritis signs, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Question: What is arthritis in pets?

Answer: Arthritis (i.e., joint inflammation) occurs when a joint’s cartilage cushioning degenerates, causing the bones to rub against each other, creating rough edges and potentially new bone growth (i.e., bone spurs). These irregular bone edges cause inflammation as they grind against each other, limiting your pet’s mobility and causing them discomfort. 

Q: What causes arthritis in pets?

A: Contrary to popular belief, old age does not cause arthritis in pets. Although this debilitating condition more commonly affects senior pets after a lifetime of their joints’ wear and tear, arthritis can affect young pets who have predisposing underlying conditions. Pet arthritis causes include:

  • Body conformation — Your pet’s body build can lead to joint misalignment and cartilage degeneration.
  • Body weight — Excess body weight exerts more pressure on your pet’s joints.
  • Abnormal joint development — Hip and elbow dysplasia, and luxating patellas can lead to arthritis development, because the bones composing the joints do not fit together correctly. 
  • Activity level — A young pet who exercises strenuously—especially participation in activities that involve sudden starts and stops, and jumping—puts too much pressure on their developing joints, which can lead to arthritis. 
  • Previous injuries or surgery — Broken limbs, ligament ruptures, and other orthopedic injuries, and their surgical repair can cause pets’ joint inflammation.
  • Nutrition — Poor nutrition, particularly for growing pets, can cause improper bone and joint development, leading to arthritis. 
  • Breed predisposition — Certain breeds are predisposed to arthritis, largely because of their body conformation. Arthritis commonly affects German shepherd dogs and Labrador retrievers.  

Q: What are arthritis signs in pets?

A: Pets’ early-stage arthritis signs can be difficult to detect, as they often compensate for stiff joints. However, your pet may have arthritis if they exhibit the following signs:

  • Limping 
  • Lameness
  • Difficulty rising from a lying position
  • Inability to jump on furniture or in the car
  • Difficulty using stairs
  • Decreased activity
  • Poor appetite
  • Excessive licking or grooming of a specific area
  • Irritability
  • Pain when touched or petted
  • Inappropriate elimination

Q: How is arthritis diagnosed in pets?

A: Arthritis signs are similar to other orthopedic conditions, such as a strained muscle, torn ligament, or fracture. To diagnose arthritis in pets accurately, your veterinarian will order X-rays of the affected area to look for indicative bone changes.

Q: How is arthritis treated in pets?

A: Pets’ arthritis treatment focuses on controlling joint inflammation to improve comfort and mobility. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a multimodal treatment plan that includes several complementary therapies, which may include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) — NSAIDs focus on reducing inflammation within pets’ joints, thereby alleviating pain. These medications are typically the first-line pharmaceutical management of arthritis pain. 
  • Weight loss — Weight loss is the best way to help reduce your overweight pet’s arthritis pain by alleviating the excess pressure on their joints.
  • Prescription diets — Prescription diets can help your pet lose weight, reducing stress on unstable joints. If your pet is at an ideal weight, your veterinarian may recommend you feed them a prescription diet whose key ingredients improve joint health. 
  • Joint supplements — While giving your pet joint supplements before they show arthritis signs is the best way to prevent them from developing this debilitating condition, these supplements can also be beneficial in your pet’s arthritis management regimen. Glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and a variety of other ingredients can help preserve your pet’s joint cartilage, and reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery — For pets with abnormal joint formation, such as hip dysplasia, surgery may improve their joint function, and help alleviate pain.
  • Alternative therapies — In integrative veterinary medicine, alternative therapies complement traditional medicine. Alternative treatment modalities—acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy, underwater treadmill, and more—can be highly beneficial in reducing your pet’s pain and inflammation, and restoring their mobility.

Is your four-legged friend avoiding playtime? A stiff, sore, limping pet may have arthritis. Schedule an appointment with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to help relieve your pet’s arthritis pain.