Understanding Arthritis In Dogs & Cats

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting dogs and cats, resulting from the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the smooth, cushioning tissue between joints. This breakdown can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving, impacting your pet's quality of life. Although there is no definitive cure, there are treatment and management options that can help your pet.
We’ll be exploring the causes of arthritis in cats and dogs, the symptoms, and treatment and management options for your pet.

What Causes Arthritis in Dogs and Cats?

Just like humans, dogs and cats are more susceptible to arthritis as they age due to cartilage naturally wearing down over time. Certain dog breeds - particularly larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers - are predisposed to arthritis due to the extra stress placed on their joints. Some pets may be born with abnormal joint development, making them more likely to develop arthritis. In others, it can be the result of repetitive strain on specific joints, caused by jumping off high surfaces for cats or agility training for dogs.

Previous injuries such as fractures, ligament tears, or dislocations can damage joint structures and increase the risk of arthritis in cats and dogs later in life. Weight is also a contributor to arthritis, as it puts additional strain on joints, which can speed up cartilage breakdown.


Symptoms Of Arthritis In Cats & Dogs

Spotting the signs of arthritis early can help you identify the problem, seek veterinary treatment and reduce the impact of the condition on your pet. As pets with arthritis can experience pain when moving, they may become less interested in playing, running, or jumping, and they might seem lethargic or hesitant to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Throughout the day, you might notice your pet struggle to get up from lying down, hesitate before climbing stairs, or appear stiff after periods of rest. They might also struggle to groom or bend their joints fully, and they may favour one leg.

Although it won’t happen instantly, muscles connecting to arthritic joints may atrophy due to disuse, making them appear thinner. Cats and dogs with arthritis may also whine, yelp, or moan during movement because of discomfort, and they can also become less tolerant of petting or handling.

At Ripponlea vet, we have a great questionnaire that helps determine if your pet is suffering from arthritis. Please book an appointment to do the questionnaire and discuss arthritis with one of our vets. Signs can be subtle and these changes can often go unrecognised.


Cat & Dog Arthritis Treatment

There is not yet a permanent cure for arthritis, however early detection can slow the degradation of your pet’s joints, reducing the amount of pain and ensuring a better quality of life. Once symptoms have been observed, you should visit your vet to confirm the diagnosis. Cat and dog arthritis treatment can differ depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, with some pets being helped with diet changes to support joint health, and others with weight management to reduce joint stress. 

In many cases, medication may be the best form of dog and cat arthritis treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief can help to reduce the symptoms that your pet experiences. Or multimodal analgesia or one of the newer medications like Solensia and Beransa can be very helpful. Finally, treatments such as massage, heat therapy, and laser therapy have been shown to reduce joint pain and improve mobility. 

Regular veterinary checkups are key in reducing the impact of arthritis on your pet, which is why you should find a vet that both you and your pet are comfortable at. At Ripponlea we understand that your pet is like family, which is why we offer the best care for arthritis, general treatments, regular checkups and advice to keep your pet healthy. 
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Whether your pet is young or old, big or small, schedule an appointment with us to ensure your pet has the best quality of life!