Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain.
It affects one in five adult dogs and is more common in older dogs. Cats can also develop arthritis as they get older, with around 90% of cats over 10 years of age developing arthritis in at least one joint!
Many cases go undiagnosed because the gradual, initially subtle changes in their pet are often misinterpreted as "slowing down" or "getting old".
Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition with no cure. However, you can work with your vet to design a treatment plan to alleviate pain and slow the disease’s progression. This enables most pets to live happy, fulfilling lives.
What causes arthritis?
Arthritis is often associated with age due to wear and tear on the joints, and it can affect all animals. However, there are other factors that can increase your pet’s risk of developing the condition, including:
Your pet’s weight – larger breed dogs and cats, or ones that are overweight, are at higher risk of arthritis. Being overweight not only increases joint stress but also releases harmful chemicals from fat tissue inflammation.
Their breed – certain breeds have a higher risk, such as Scottish Folds, Labradors, German Shepherds, and short-legged breeds.
How much (and what type of) exercise they do – too much running, over exercising when they are young, or jumping down a lot can increase their risk. Working dogs are particularly prone to the condition from regularly jumping off the ute or bike onto hard surfaces.
Previous joint injuries – these can often result in arthritis developing later in life.
Signs to watch out for
Arthritis can affect any breed of dog or cat as it ages, so owners should look out for any of the following signs:
Limping or stiffness after exercise;
Lagging behind on walks, reduced energy levels, or reluctance to engage in physical activity;
Taking longer to lie down, circling more and showing hesitancy;
Slow to rise, or vocalisation – such as groaning – when lying down or rising;
Difficulty jumping;
Difficulty with stairs;
Difficulty assuming toileting positions, such as a male dog having trouble lifting his leg.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or cat, please schedule a visit to the vet. Early detection, followed up with an effective arthritis management plan, can significantly improve your pet's comfort and wellbeing.
Visiting the vet
During the vet appointment, you will be asked some questions to assess the impact of the condition on your pet's quality of life. A comprehensive health examination, including an orthopaedic assessment, will then be conducted.
Based on these initial insights, a provisional diagnosis of probable arthritis may be identified. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, radiography is usually required. In many cases, you and the vet may decide to try a treatment trial to see if this will improve your pet’s quality of life. If successful, a treatment plan can be developed to support joints long-term and manage your pet’s discomfort. If they do not respond to the treatment trial, then it is important to take some X-rays.
A management plan may include weight control, medication, and controlled exercise. The number of medication options for arthritis is increasing – including pain relief, cartilage protective agents, special diets, and joint supplements.
Your vet can tailor a plan to suit your pet's specific needs. This will ensure they receive the best possible care to maintain their happiness and quality of life.
This article was originally published by VetSouth. As a trusted partner of West Coast Vets, we're proud to share their expertise with our community.
