Arthritis most commonly affects older pets, but young pets can also develop the condition. Our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team knows that arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating for pets, so we offer facts about the condition to ensure you know what to expect and can help your arthritic four-legged friend.

#1: Pet arthritis is common

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common ailments that affect middle-aged and older dogs and cats. The cartilage in the pet’s joint degenerates, allowing the bones to rub together and create chronic pain and inflammation. Approximately 35% of all dogs and 80% of dogs older than 8 years are arthritic. Estimates in cats place arthritis prevalence as high as 40% to 92%.

#2: Some pets are predisposed to arthritis

In some cases, the cause is unknown, but factors that can predispose a pet to arthritis include:

  • Genetics — Certain breeds are predisposed to orthopedic developmental conditions that increase their arthritis risk. Examples include:
  • Hip dysplasia — Some dog breeds, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds, and cat breeds, including Maine Coon, Persians, and Siamese, are at increased risk for hip dysplasia. The condition frequently leads to arthritis in the hips if the joint isn’t stabilized.
  • Patella luxation — Dog breeds, including Boston terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and miniature poodles, and cat breeds, including Abyssians and Devon Rex, are at increased risk for patella luxation, which often leads to arthritis in an untreated knee.
  • Elbow dysplasia — Dog breeds, including Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, golden retrievers, and chow chows, and cat breeds, including British short-haired cats and Maine Coon, are at increased risk for elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis in the elbow if not treated.
  • Obesity — Overweight and obese pets are at increased arthritis risk. The excess weight places added strain on their joints, and fat cells produce low-grade inflammation that affects the entire body, including the joints.
  • Injury — Injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries that involve a joint often lead to arthritis.
  • Infection — Joint infections and some systemic infections can predispose pets to arthritis.

#3: Arthritis can be hard to detect in pets

Pets can’t tell us when they are in pain, and many instinctively hide vulnerabilities, which can make detecting a pet’s arthritis difficult. Signs that may indicate arthritis include:

  • Decreased activity — Arthritic pets may be less active than usual and may show these specific signs:
    • Sleeping more, or spending more time resting
    • Less interest in play and going on outings
    • Fewer interactions with people and other pets
  • Decreased mobility — Arthritic pets may have difficulty navigating their environment. Specific signs include:
    • Difficulty navigating stairs
    • Limping
    • Appearing stiff, especially after resting
    • Reluctance or inability to jump on or off surfaces
    • Difficulty getting in or out of the litter box, which may manifest as not using the litter box
  • Temperament changes — Arthritic pets may change in temperament. Specific signs include:
    • Withdrawing
    • Irritability toward people or other pets
    • Uncharacteristic aggression toward people or other pets

#4: Managing arthritis requires a multi-modal approach in pets

The best way to decrease your arthritic pet’s pain and increase mobility is a multimodal approach that includes these strategies:

  • Supplements — We may recommend joint supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3-fatty acids.
  • Laser Therapy– Can help tissue repair by decreasing inflammation and pain all the while helping to improve healing.  Treatment sessions produce a warm, pleasant sensation that most pets seem to enjoy and find relaxing.
  • Medications — Our team commonly prescribes medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
  • Weight loss — Carrying excess weight exacerbates arthritic pain and inflammation. Our team will formulate an appropriate weight loss plan to help your pet safely lose weight, if necessary.
  • Physical rehabilitation — Physical rehabilitation exercises are extremely effective to help alleviate joint pain, increase muscle strength, and improve joint mobility.
  • Surgery — Surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and stabilize the joint to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

#5: Changes to your home can help your arthritic pet

Modifying your home can improve your arthritic pet’s quality of life. Suggestions include:

  • Bedding — Provide supportive, padded bedding, to ensure your pet rests comfortably.
  • Access — Ensure your pet’s bowls are conveniently located, so they don’t have to go up and down stairs or jump on high surfaces to access their food and water.
  • Assistance —  Consider using a “Dog sling” or hip support harness to help your pet walk a bit easier. 
  • Raised bowls — Raise food and water bowls, so your pet is more comfortable eating and drinking.
  • Low sides — Ensure your cat’s litter box has low sides or cut an opening in their current litter box to ensure they can easily get in and out.
  • Grooming — Arthritic pets often find grooming difficult and need your help with regular grooming to keep their coat clean and mat-free.

#6: Arthritic pets need regular monitoring for proper management

If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis, they need regular veterinary visits to monitor their progress. Important diagnostics include:

  • Blood work — Medications used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation can have systemic side effects, and blood work is needed to ensure your pet’s liver and kidneys are well-functioning.
  • X-rays — Our team may recommend X-rays to monitor the progression of disease in your pet’s affected joints.

If your pet has been moving more slowly or is more withdrawn than usual, contact our Aloha Veterinary Hospital, so we can determine if arthritis is playing a role in their changed condition.