Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as arthritis, is a joint condition where the cartilage that cushions joints wear down over time. This leads to long term pain, inflammation and stiffness. In addition to the loss of cartilage, the ligaments and tendons around the joint can thicken, and bony growths called spurs might form. 

What causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can develop from:

• Wear and tear: Over the years joints can gradually deteriorate.
• Injury or trauma: Past injuries can sometimes lead to joint problems later on.
• Genetic conditions: Some pets are born with conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia which can lead to arthritis.

No matter the cause, arthritis can make it hard for pets to move comfortably, reduce mobility and cause long term pain, which can significantly affect their quality of life.

How is it diagnosed?

Osteoarthritis in dogs can show up in various ways. Common signs to look for include:

• Lameness or stiffness: this may improve once the dog gets moving. 
• Reluctance to move: Difficulty standing up, jumping or using stairs. 
• Restlessness: not settling easily.
• Decreased activity: Less interest in walks or play. 
• Limping: noticeable limp following physical activity. 
• Behaviour changes: such as whining, irritability or aggression. 
• Swollen joints: or muscle loss around affected areas. 
• Licking joints: Pets may lick painful areas. 

Cats can also suffer from osteoarthritis, but their symptoms may be harder to spot. Cats are naturally good at hiding pain, so may not show obvious signs. Watch for these subtle signs:  

• Stiffness: especially after sleeping or resting.  
• Reluctance to move: reluctance to jump up or down, use stairs or cat flaps.  
• Increased resting: More sleep or resting in easier-to-reach locations. 
• Reduced activity: less interaction with people or other pets.  
• Litter tray issues: Difficulty using the litter tray. 
• Coat condition: poor grooming or overgrooming painful areas. 
• Muscle loss: over the lower back and/or in affected limbs. 
• Behaviour changes: becoming Irritable or grumpy when handled or stroked.

How can my veterinarian help?

• Physical exam: Your vet will check for pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.
• X-rays: these can show joint changes and help rule out other conditions. It is important to remember that the amount of pain and/or lameness that pets show due to osteoarthritis may not necessarily relate to the changes seen on radiographs.
• Pain relief trial: In some cases, a treatment trial with pain relief medications may be used.
• Blood/urine tests: Your veterinarian may recommend a blood and/or urine test to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s health status. These help ensure your pet can safely take arthritis medications. 

What are the treatment options?

Weight management

Keeping pets in a healthy weight range is highly beneficial and an essential part of managing osteoarthritis. Obesity puts extra loads on pets’ joints, increasing the severity of the pain and contributing to joint inflammation, which speeds up the progression of disease. 

Pain management

As each pet’s needs are different, your veterinarian will tailor a pain management plan specifically for your pet following discussion with you. There are currently several medication options available to improve the comfort of osteoarthritic pets: 

• Monoclonal antibody therapy:  a monthly injection that helps reduce pain signals leading to increased mobility and comfort. 
• Oral medications:  long-term pain relief with regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure that these medications are still safe and effective for your pet.  
• Disease-modifying drugs: these help improve joint fluid and slow cartilage damage to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Exercise moderation and physical rehabilitation

Regular exercise is important for pets with arthritis because it helps maintain their optimal body condition and can ease joint pain. With the right pain management your pet can stay active enough to keep their muscles strong and joint’s flexible.

• Low-impact exercises: For pets with arthritis, low-impact exercises like walking and swimming are best. These activities are gentler on the joints compared to high-impact ones like running or playing fetch.
• Physical therapy and hydrotherapy: Physical therapy and hydrotherapy (water therapy) can be beneficial. These treatments can help strengthen your pet’s muscles and improve joint movement. Check with your vet to see if these therapies are available near you. 

Diet and supplements

There are special diets available that are designed specifically for pets with arthritis. These foods formulated to help support joint health.

In addition to these special diets, there are also supplements that can be helpful. Supplements such as omega fatty acids and green-lipped mussel extract can reduce inflammation and support joint health. Your vet can recommend the best diet and supplements for your pet’s needs.  

Environmental modifications

The below suggestions may help reduce the risk of accidental slips and falls, which may further aggravate painful joints: 

• Slip-free ramps and steps: Helps your pet get around without straining their joints. 
• Trimming paw fur: Improves traction and reduces slips. 
• Non-slip bedding: Make sure your pet’s bed is on a surface that doesn’t slip, so they don’t hurt themselves when getting up.  

Surgery

If your pet’s joint damage is severe and other treatments aren’t enough to ease their pain, your vet may suggest surgery as an option. This may involve your vet referring you to a specialist to explore whether surgery could help improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life. 

If you think your pet may be experiencing discomfort, contact your local Animates Vetcare clinic.