Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Signs & Care

Is your dog slower than usual or your cat less agile? They may be suffering from osteoarthritis, a common joint disease that affects tens of thousands of pets across the UK. While it can’t be cured, recognising symptoms and understanding management options can dramatically improve your pet’s comfort and mobility.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is a progressive condition where the cartilage protecting the movable joints deteriorates. This causes pain, inflammation, stiffness, and the formation of abnormal new bone. It usually develops secondary to an underlying cause like joint trauma or infection.

Certain breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed, especially where inherited joint abnormalities such as hip dysplasia occur. As the cartilage thins and joint damage worsens over time, mobility reduces and pain increases. Early detection and management can slow progression and enhance quality of life.

Identifying Symptoms: What to Look For

Symptoms in dogs may include:

• General stiffness, particularly after rest
• Lameness or limping on one or more limbs
• Reduced willingness to exercise or play
• Difficulty jumping into cars or climbing stairs
• Muscle wastage around affected joints
• Altered gait, such as shortened strides or favouring limbs
• Irritability or behavioural changes due to pain

Cats often show more subtle signs because they mask pain. Look for:

• Less activity and reluctance to jump or climb
• Unkempt coat from difficulties with grooming
• Reduced tolerance of handling or grooming
• Occasional changes in behaviour such as increased irritability or hiding

Notice that in both species, stiffness worsens after sleeping and improves gradually with movement.

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

If you suspect osteoarthritis, it is important to visit your vet. They will assess your pet’s joints through a physical examination, checking range of motion, swelling, heat, pain, and joint sounds (crepitus). Diagnosis is usually supported by X-rays to confirm joint changes and assess severity.

Sometimes advanced diagnostics like CT, MRI, joint fluid analysis, or arthroscopy are necessary to rule out other causes or understand the joint condition fully.

Six Effective Management Options for Osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis cannot be cured, these strategies can help manage symptoms and keep your pet comfortable:

1. Weight Control

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Excess weight increases joint stress and accelerates disease progression. Your vet or nurse can help devise a gradual, safe weight loss plan tailored to your pet’s needs. You should easily feel your pet’s ribs without pressing hard; if not, they may be overweight.

2. Exercise Management

Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial but should suit your pet’s capabilities. Shorter, more frequent walks on even surfaces like grass are preferable for dogs, while swimming offers a low-impact alternative. Cats benefit from easy access to essentials at ground level to avoid difficult jumps.

3. Nutritional Supplements

Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and omega-3 fatty acids may support joint repair and reduce inflammation. Many owners report noticeable improvements after a few weeks. Special veterinary diets designed for osteoarthritis can also be considered.

4. Medical Treatment

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) prescribed by your vet reduce pain and inflammation. These are generally safe but require monitoring through blood tests to ensure liver and kidney health.

5. Physiotherapy

Referral to a veterinary physiotherapist can provide exercises and treatments to improve joint function and muscle strength, reducing pain and stiffness.

6. Acupuncture

Some pets benefit from veterinary acupuncture, which stimulates the release of natural painkillers. It is administered in a series of sessions by specially trained vets and can complement other treatments.

Understanding Common Questions About Osteoarthritis

What causes osteoarthritis in dogs and cats?

Quick Answer: Osteoarthritis usually develops secondary to joint injuries, infections, or inherited joint abnormalities like hip dysplasia. Excess weight and age are significant risk factors.

The condition results from progressive damage to joint cartilage and associated inflammation. Many pets affected are older or have had previous joint trauma. Genetics can also predispose certain breeds to joint problems leading to osteoarthritis.

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

Quick Answer: No, osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive condition with no cure currently available. Management aims to improve comfort and function.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and slowing disease progression through weight management, exercise moderation, supplements, medication, and supportive therapies. Early diagnosis enhances the effectiveness of management strategies.

What are the best ways to help my cat with osteoarthritis?

Quick Answer: Provide easy access to essentials at ground level, use supplements, maintain a healthy weight, and consult your vet for pain relief options.

Cats benefit from a calm environment and accessible living arrangements, avoiding the need for difficult jumps. Nutritional support and veterinary-prescribed medications tailored to cats can significantly improve their quality of life.

Summary and Next Steps

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease in both dogs and cats that causes pain and mobility issues, affecting their quality of life. While incurable, early recognition and a comprehensive management plan involving weight control, exercise adjustments, supplements, medications, physiotherapy, and possibly acupuncture can greatly improve your pet’s comfort and happiness.

If you notice signs of stiffness or difficulty moving in your pet, consult your vet promptly. They can confirm diagnosis and help create a tailored management plan that respects your pet’s needs and your budget, promoting responsible care and well-being for your cherished companion.