Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common chronic conditions we see in both dogs and cats, especially as they age. It’s a progressive condition that affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
The good news is that with early recognition and the right treatment plan, we can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within a joint wear down over time. Cartilage acts like a shock absorber, allowing smooth and pain-free movement. When it deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation, pain and joint damage.
OA can affect any joint, but we most commonly see it in the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and spine. It is often associated with developmental conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia in dogs. In cats, it’s more subtle and cats tend to hide their ailments quite well, so it frequently goes unnoticed for a long time.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
There isn’t always a single cause, but several factors can increase your pet’s risk.
Aging plays a major role as natural wear and tear on joints increases over time. Previous injuries such as ligament tears, fractures or joint trauma can predispose pets to OA. Certain breeds, particularly larger dogs, are more prone to joint disease.
Obesity is another key factor, as excess weight places additional strain on joints and accelerates cartilage breakdown. Structural joint abnormalities like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation can also lead to earlier onset arthritis.
Signs of Osteoarthritis in Pets
One of the biggest challenges is that the signs can be very subtle. In dogs you might notice limping, stiffness (especially after rest), difficulty getting up or lying down, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or a general slowing down on walks. Some dogs may also show behavioural changes such as irritability or withdrawal.
In cats, the signs are often quieter. You may notice reduced jumping, increased sleeping, difficulty getting into the litter tray, changes in grooming habits or becoming less social.
If you’re noticing even small changes, it’s worth having your pet assessed. Early intervention makes a significant difference.
How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of a thorough physical examination, assessment of joint movement and pain and your observations at home. These day-to-day insights are incredibly valuable.
Imaging such as radiographs of the affected body part may be recommended to evaluate joint changes, although many cases can be identified based on clinical signs alone, even before advanced changes appear on imaging.
Treatment Options: Managing Osteoarthritis
While osteoarthritis can’t be cured, it can absolutely be managed. Our goal is to reduce pain, slow progression and help your pet stay active and comfortable for as long as possible.
Most pets benefit from a multimodal approach, meaning a combination of treatments tailored to their individual needs.
Weight Management
This is one of the most important aspects of treatment. Even a small amount of weight loss can significantly reduce pressure on joints and improve mobility. Maintaining a lean body condition is one of the most effective ways to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Pain Relief Medications
Pain control is essential for maintaining quality of life. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, newer injectable arthritis therapies (such as Synovan) or additional medications for chronic pain. These are carefully selected based on your pet’s overall health and monitored to ensure they remain safe and effective.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements can support cartilage health and reduce inflammation over time. Common ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids and green-lipped mussel extract. While they are not an immediate fix, they can play a valuable role in long-term management.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Targeted movement therapies can improve strength, flexibility and joint stability. This may include controlled exercise programs, hydrotherapy and specific stretching or strengthening exercises.
These approaches are particularly helpful for dogs recovering from injury or surgery, but can benefit many arthritic pets.
Environmental Modifications
Simple changes at home can greatly improve your pet’s comfort. Adding non-slip rugs, providing ramps or steps, using orthopaedic bedding and ensuring easy access to low-rimmed litter trays for cats can all reduce strain on painful joints.
Advanced Therapies
Depending on your pet’s needs, additional therapies such as injectable arthritis treatments, laser therapy, acupuncture or regenerative medicine may be recommended. These can provide further pain relief and improve mobility, particularly in more advanced cases.
Osteoarthritis in Cats: Why It’s Often Missed
Cats are very good at adapting to discomfort. Instead of showing obvious lameness, they tend to reduce their activity levels to disguise any sign of weakness (as their larger cousins do in the wild).
This means arthritis in cats is likely underdiagnosed. If your cat isn’t jumping, playing, or grooming as much as they used to, it may not simply be aging. It could be osteoarthritis, and there are safe and effective treatment options available.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time if left unmanaged.
Starting treatment early allows us to better control pain, preserve joint function, and maintain your pet’s mobility and quality of life for longer. It’s about managing the condition proactively rather than waiting until it becomes severe.
Supporting Your Pet at Home
There is a lot you can do at home to support your pet alongside veterinary care. Keeping exercise regular but low-impact, avoiding activities that place excessive strain on joints, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing comfortable resting areas all play an important role.
Monitoring your pet for subtle changes in movement or behaviour is also key, as this helps guide ongoing treatment.
When Should You See Your Vet?
If your pet is showing any signs of stiffness, slowing down or behavioural changes, it’s a good idea to book a check-up. Even if you’re unsure, it’s always better to assess early. Many pets live with chronic pain longer than they need to, simply because the signs are easy to miss.
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean a decline in your pet’s quality of life. With the right care and support, many dogs and cats continue to live happy, active, and comfortable lives for years. The key is recognising the signs early and putting a tailored management plan in place.
If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s mobility or behaviour, we’re here to help.
Call our friendly team at the Ark Veterinary Hospital on 02 9416 1300 or book an appointment online.