A common and painful condition - Arthritis

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis in dogs, is sadly a common condition affecting mostly their legs, hips, and back, causing stiff movements and painful joints for our pets. 

In a healthy joint, the bone surfaces are smooth and covered in a thin layer of cartilage with a small amount of joint fluid for lubrication, so that they glide over each other without friction, allowing our pets to move freely.   

In an osteoarthritis-affected joint, cartilage slowly degenerates and causes the bones to rub against each other. The bones can become jagged, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and severe pain. This chronic form of arthritis is a process of, gradual worsening over time. The soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) around the joint, can also become weakened.   

How do dogs and cats get arthritis? 

As with humans, wear and tear with aging is the main cause of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats.  

Other common factors causing arthritis include: 

• Being overweight 

• Hip dysplasia 

• Abnormal joint development when young 

• Joint injury 

• Genetics 

Acute arthritis comes on suddenly after an injury causing a series of inflammatory responses that change and degrade the bone matrix, resulting in pain, discomfort, and lameness. 

Some breeds are more predisposed to getting arthritis than others. These are generally the larger or more food-driven breeds, including: 

• Dogs - Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels 

• Cats - Maine Coon, Persian, Siamese, Scottish Fold 

The good news is that, with the help of your vet, you can help slow the disease progression and alleviate their symptoms.  

What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis in dogs and cats? 

Your dog limping after exercise or a nap, or your cat not wanting to jump onto the couch or bed, are probably the signs you will notice first.

Other symptoms include: 

• Vocalising when lying down or getting up 

• Reluctance to jump or go up and down stairs 

• Slowing down or taking shorter paces when walking 

• Unwillingness to exercise 

• Lethargy and sleeping more 

• Losing muscle tone 

• Less grooming 

• Licking painful areas