Arthritis in Cats and Dogs
Keep your pet comfortable in their senior years
Reducing the Impact of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
As our pets get older, their needs change. Unfortunately, they also become more susceptible to certain illnesses, such as arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis. It’s a disorder that can be very hard to identify unless you know what to look for.
This is why it is important to bring your senior pet in for regular check-ups, as some age-related illnesses, like arthritis, are avoidable or manageable if we can identify them before they become a serious issue.
Understanding Osteoarthritis in Pets
Osteoarthritis in cats and dogs is a debilitating disorder characterised by the loss of cartilage in the joints, as well as the degradation of cartilage-producing cells. This means that the cartilage between the bones that usually acts as a cushion is worn away or deteriorates and cannot repair itself.
This process results in the grinding together or rubbing of bones, which can be extremely painful for your pet, even though they may go to great lengths to hide the pain.
Key Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats
Typically, osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, so it is common to see arthritis in older dogs and cats.
However, it can also be triggered by trauma such as a sprain or fracture. For example, if a dog or cat suffers from a cruciate ligament injury, it is fairly common for the joint to develop arthritis earlier than it otherwise would.
It can also develop from obesity or abnormal joint growth, whereby the joint does not properly fit the socket.
Signs Your Pet May Have Arthritis
Arthritis can be difficult to identify in pets, so here are some common signs to look out for:
Some symptoms of dog arthritis are:
- Lagging behind during walks
- Hesitation where there previously was none
- Reluctance to exercise
- Going to the toilet inside
- Slowing down
- Becoming aggressive when touched
Symptoms of Cat Arthritis
- An untidy look due to problems grooming themselves
- Trouble stepping in and out of the litter box
- Quick little steps with the back legs (shorter hind limb stride compared to forelimbs)
- Reluctance to jump up on furniture where previously there was none
- Constipation due to unwillingness to crouch into defecation posture
What Can I Do at Home to Help Avoid Arthritis?
Some things to remember are:
Gentle, low-impact exercise such as swimming
Identifying and Treating Pet Arthritis
The only sure way to tell if your pet is suffering from osteoarthritis is a consultation and check-up by a qualified veterinarian.
To get an idea of the overall mobility of your pet, try our Pet Arthritis Assessment Calculator. It works by asking a series of questions, which will give you a score out of 30. The lower the score, the less mobile your pet is. If your pet scores low on the mobility calculator, it is important to bring them in for a check-up.
Here at Sydney Animal Hospitals, our team of highly skilled and experienced vets are available seven days a week across seven different clinics to offer advanced pet arthritis treatment options and advice.
Help your pet move pain-free
Pet Arthritis Assessment
The 4 Stages of an Arthritis Check-Up
01
We assess your pet’s walk
Pets experiencing symptoms of arthritis often go to great lengths to mask their condition. We walk your pet around the consult room or outside (if your pet is particularly large) and analyse their movement for any signs of limping or an uneven distribution of weight to indicate pain.
Check back legs
Pets experiencing arthritic symptoms will often show discomfort when sitting, due to the angle of their legs and distribution of weight during the sitting process. We use the ‘sit test’ to assess your pet’s ability to sit naturally, without signs of hesitancy or pain, as well as feel the shape and muscle density of your pet’s hind legs to check for any irregularities.
02
03
Check front legs
We check the function, movement and muscle density of your pet’s front legs, feeling for any clicking of joints or grinding. Grinding or clicking indicates that the cartilage in the joint may be damaged or degraded. This could be an indication of arthritis in your pet.
Check back (spine)
We check along your pet’s spine, making sure that your pet is not experiencing any pain in this area. This check is important because pets can often experience arthritic pain in their back.
04
Follow Ups With Your Vet
7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney
Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience
Newtown
Open 7 Days
Inner West
Open 7 Days
Norwest
Open 7 Days
Kellyville
Open 7 Days
Baulkham Hills
Open 7 Days
Newport
Open 7 Days
Avalon
Open 6 Days
Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options
To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Afterpay, Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.
If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™
SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITALS ACCEPT
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions pet owners ask about cat and dog osteoarthritis
What Is Pet Arthritis, and What Causes It?
What Are the Common Signs of Arthritis in Pets?
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed in Cats and Dogs?
What Treatments Are Available for Arthritis?
There is a wide range of options when it comes to arthritis treatment for dogs and arthritis treatment for cats. These may include medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, physical therapy such as hydrotherapy, weight management, dietary modifications, acupuncture, and laser therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
