Have you noticed your furry friend slowing down with age? Maybe they’re starting to have trouble climbing the stairs, or just seem less interested in chasing after their favourite toy? The big question on your mind might be, “Could this be arthritis?” Let’s dig into the world of arthritis and find out what you can do to keep your pet feeling their best.
Most common types of arthritis in dogs and cat
The most common form of arthritis in dogs and cats is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time. Without the smooth buffer of cartilage between the bones, your furry housemate may experience inflammation, and any movement can become painful. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions seen in senior pets (7+ years), affecting around one in five dogs, and slightly fewer cats1.
As the condition progresses, it can impact your pet’s ability to eat, play and move comfortably.
Other, less common forms of arthritis include inflammatory arthritis, which is sometimes linked to immune system conditions, and septic arthritis, which can be formed by infections of the joint.
Keep your senior pet healthy and happy with a Best for Pet Wellness Plan
Have you heard of our Wellness Plan?
Designed to make it easier to access routine preventative healthcare services, our Wellness Plans are the best way to keep your pet healthier and happier for longer, all for a low monthly fee.
What causes osteoarthritis in pets?
Osteoarthritis isn’t caused by one single thing, instead it’s usually a mix of a few factors, including:
- Ageing: This is the most common cause. As our pets age, their joint cartilage becomes thinner and wears away, and it can be more prone to damage.
- Joint injury: A previous joint injury, like ligament tears or fractures, can also be a factor. They may have healed but they can leave the joint slightly weaker.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to joint issues due to their joint structure.
- Obesity: Even small amounts of excess weight can have a big impact on your pet’s joints.
- Developmental joint disease: Conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia can lead to unusual joint movements, which over time can lead to arthritis.
What breeds are more prone to osteoarthritis?
While osteoarthritis can affect any cat or dog, it’s more commonly seen in senior pets (7+ years). Larger breeds and those with underlying joint or structural issues are generally at higher risk.
Dog breeds more commonly affected include:
- Large and giant breeds: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and Old English Sheepdogs
- Long-bodied breeds (prone to spinal and joint stress): Dachshunds, Basset Hounds and Corgis
- Stocky or brachycephalic breeds (often with joint alignment issues): Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs
Cat breeds more commonly affected include:
- Larger or heavier breeds: Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats and British Shorthairs
- Breeds predisposed to joint or developmental conditions: Scottish Folds (less common in Australia and New Zealand), Persians and Himalayans, as well as Devon Rex and Cornish Rex
- Senior cats of any breed: age is the biggest risk factor, with arthritis commonly developing as cats get older
Interestingly, dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but that doesn’t mean they are more prone to it. Cats often go undiagnosed as they are better at hiding their pain and discomfort.
Common signs of osteoarthritis in pets
While the condition is the same in dogs and cats, the signs tend to be slightly different. Dogs tend to show signs like limping or stiffness, while cats may be less active and may avoid jumping.
How is osteoarthritis in pets diagnosed?
Your vet will use a mixture of physical exams, mobility assessments, imaging (like X-rays) and clinical history (any changes in behaviour, activity or previous injuries) to diagnose osteoarthritis.
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s behaviour is normal or a sign of osteoarthritis, try our online assessment for cats or arthritis assessment for dogs. These are a good starting point however it’s important to always follow up with your vet at your pet’s next check-up.
How is osteoarthritis in pets treated?
Osteoarthritis isn’t a condition that can be cured, but it can be effectively managed with early detection and the right combination of treatments.
Most treatment plans will include weight management, as reducing the impact from excess weight on joints can make a big difference to the comfort levels of your pet.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also help control pain levels and reduce inflammation, as well as physiotherapy (or controlled exercise) in some cases. These can help maintain muscle strength and support joint function.
In recent years, injectable osteoarthritis therapies have become an increasingly effective option. These arthritis injections are administered by your vet on a regular basis (usually monthly) depending on your pet’s condition.
Rather than just masking pain, these newer injectable therapies work by targeting the underlying inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. As a result, most pets experience more mobility (they’ll be noticeably more active) and much less pain.
Because these treatments are administered regularly by your vet, ongoing check-ups are an important part of effective management. Having access to unlimited vet consults through our Best for Pet Wellness Plan, can make it easier to stay on top of these appointments.
Caring for a pet with osteoarthritis at home
Even before you notice any signs of osteoarthritis, feeding your furry friend a balanced diet and offering enough exercise to keep them within a healthy weight range is essential.
If your pet has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, reducing their weight even a little will make a big difference. For dogs, focus on gentle exercise and avoid any high-impact activities that put stress on their joints (think agility courses, long runs, jumping into cars, frisbee games with mid-air catches).
Using ramps instead of steps where possible will also help, as well as providing supportive bedding. While some supplements for our pets aren’t backed by strong evidence, your vet may recommend adding omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or green-lipped mussel) with your pet’s food, which studies show may reduce joint inflammation in dogs and cats.
References:
1 Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, et al. “Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests”. J Small Anim Pract. 2022;63(8):609-618. doi:10.1111/jsap.13500
