“Arthritis is a progressive condition, but with the right management, many pets can remain comfortable and active.”
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Arthritis in our pets is something I see most days on my travels around Sydney as a mobile Vet. And of course lots of cases lead to lots of questions…
So I thought I’d answer some of the really common questions people ask me about joint disease in their pets.
What is arthritis?
Most often, we see osteoarthritis in our pets. Other forms of arthritis are rare, so for this blog, I am just going to talk about osteoarthritis (OA). In a healthy joint, the bone ends are covered with a layer of cartilage. This cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and helps the joint move smoothly.
Which pets get osteoarthritis?
We have traditionally seen OA in dogs, and there are many treatments available for this. We now recognise arthritis in cats much more, and many are benefiting from better treatments. In many cases, OA is something we see as part of the aging process – I think of it like wear and tear. Older pets get stiff joints just like elderly people.
But many dog breeds are predisposed to OA in particular joints at a young age. For example, because of hip dysplasia, Labradors are prone to hip OA. And because of cruciate disease, Rottweilers are prone to OA in their knees.
If your pet is overweight, their risk of developing OA at a younger age is increased, and the stress on arthritic joints is increased.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of OA vary from pet to pet.
Most likely, you’ll notice a gradual change in your pet. You might see they are stiff when they get up from lying down and limp for a few steps, or they might become reluctant to go up or down stairs or jump into the car. They may also become lame after too much exercise, and start to slow down on the usual walks or runs
How is OA diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, our mobile vet will need to visit your pet and fully examine them.
This will include asking you questions about how your pet has been over recent weeks and months, as well as a full clinical and musculoskeletal examination.
Depending on the findings of this examination, we may suggest blood tests and/or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible problems.
“Early assessment and treatment can significantly improve a pet’s mobility and quality of life.”
Can you cure OA?
Currently, there is no cure for OA. We can help make your pet’s life much happier with modern anti-inflammatory medications, but we can’t make the OA go away.
There are many types of supplements that may improve mobility and comfort, though none have definitively been shown to do so. There are also newer innovations, such as stem cell therapy, that are currently being researched. These procedures are available now, and some people feel they have helped; however, it is not being strongly recommended just yet.
In many cases, a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and lifestyle changes can really improve the quality of life for pets with OA and give them many more happy years with you.
Astro’s Arthritis
So the image of the dog at the top of this blog is… Astro. He is a gorgeous 15-year-old dog.
A year ago a visited the family because they were considering possibly euthanising Astro as he had become very sore, tired and very depressed, barely wanting to move.
After my examination, we had a detailed discussion with many tears. I felt it was worth giving him a chance with some modern anti-inflammatory medication as he was generally in good health, just not coping with his arthritis.
The family declined any “geriatric” profiles given his age, but were willing to trial medication, understanding we did not know if his liver function was OK. We started him on meloxicam, and he hasn’t looked back since!
The family were over the moon, and now, over a year later, he has been happy, playful and more active than he has been for ages. Happy Days!
Contact me if you want to chat about any health problems in your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Arthritis is a common condition, especially in older pets
It is often linked to age-related joint changes or breed-related joint issues. - Symptoms are usually gradual and easy to miss early on
Stiffness, reduced mobility and reluctance to move are common signs. - There is no cure, but effective management is available
Medication and lifestyle adjustments can improve comfort and mobility. - Diagnosis involves examination and sometimes further testing
Blood tests and X-rays may be used to confirm the condition and rule out others.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of arthritis in pets?
Early signs of arthritis in pets are often subtle and develop gradually. You may notice stiffness when your pet gets up, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or slowing down on walks. These changes are often mistaken for normal ageing but can indicate joint disease.
Which pets are most at risk of developing arthritis?
Arthritis is more common in older pets, but some breeds are predisposed to joint conditions at a younger age. Overweight pets are also at higher risk because of increased stress on their joints. Both dogs and cats can develop osteoarthritis.
How is arthritis in pets diagnosed?
Arthritis is diagnosed through a full clinical and musculoskeletal examination. Your vet will assess your pet’s movement and gather information about recent changes in behaviour or mobility. In some cases, blood tests or X-rays are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions
Can arthritis in pets be cured?
There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis in pets. Treatment focuses on managing pain and improving mobility rather than reversing the condition. With appropriate care, many pets maintain a good quality of life.
What treatments are available for arthritis in pets?
Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medications combined with lifestyle adjustments. These changes may help improve comfort and mobility over time. In some cases, additional therapies or supplements may be considered, although results can vary.
When should I contact a vet about my pet’s joint stiffness?
You should contact a vet if you notice ongoing stiffness, limping or reduced activity. Changes that persist or gradually worsen are worth assessing early. Prompt evaluation allows for earlier management and better long-term outcomes.