Understanding and Managing Osteoarthritis in Senior Dogs and Cats

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative, and irreversible disease affecting your pet’s joints and is one of the most common senior pet health conditions. It comes in two forms:

• Primary arthritis: Results from natural aging and wear on joints
• Secondary arthritis: Stems from trauma or congenital conditions throughout a pet’s life

While osteoarthritis often begins early in a pet’s life, it frequently goes unnoticed until symptoms become more pronounced in senior years. The disease gradually affects the cartilage that cushions joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility. Early detection is critical for slowing joint damage progression and managing pain effectively, which is why understanding the signs of joint pain in older dogs and cats can help you seek treatment earlier.

Signs Your Pet May Have Osteoarthritis

Watch for these common indicators:

•  Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or exercise
• Stiffness, especially after resting or in cold weather
• Limping or favoring certain limbs
• Decreased activity or playfulness
• Irritability or changes in behavior
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Changes in gait or posture

Pet mobility issues often begin gradually, with many owners mistaking early signs of canine arthritis for normal aging.

Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Approach

Although there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, a multifaceted treatment approach can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of treatments based on your pet’s individual needs.

Joint Health & Other Supplements

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: These naturally occurring substances help nourish and protect cartilage, potentially slowing osteoarthritis progression. Products like Dasuquin and Cosequin are commonly recommended.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain. Omega-3 supplements are available in a variety of forms.
• Other supplements: Green-lipped mussel, MSM, Adequan, or hyaluronic acid may provide additional support for joint health. Additionally, ursolic acid, Fortetropin, and BCAAs are supplements designed to support muscle health and potentially aid in muscle building in aging dogs.
• Specialized diets: There are a variety of diets that are specifically designed to support joint and mobility health for both cats and dogs, and these can be a key component of a comprehensive OA treatment plan. 

Prescription Medications

• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications effectively reduce pain and inflammation, but must be prescribed by your veterinarian as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for all pets.
• Additional pain medications: For pets with chronic pain not adequately managed by NSAIDs, medications like gabapentin or amantadine may be prescribed to provide additional comfort.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for pets with osteoarthritis. Even slight weight reduction can significantly decrease stress on joints and improve mobility. Controlled, gentle exercise helps maintain muscle mass that supports affected joints. Your veterinarian may also recommend a specialized therapeutic diet formulated for joint health.

Alternative Therapies

These complementary approaches can enhance traditional treatments:

• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises and stretches to improve joint flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles.
• Acupuncture: This traditional technique can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing processes.
• Laser Therapy: Low-level laser treatment can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing.
• Massage: Regular therapeutic massage improves circulation, relaxes tense muscles, and reduces pain associated with arthritis.
• Toe Grips: We sell Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips in-clinic and can apply them for you! These non-slip grips fit on your dog’s toenails to improve traction and mobility.

Advanced Treatment Options

• Monoclonal Antibody Injections: Newer treatment options, such as Solensia and Librela, offer targeted pain relief by blocking pain signals with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional medications. These are typically administered monthly.
• Surgery: Reserved for severe cases, surgical interventions may include joint replacement, arthroscopy (a minimally invasive joint surgery technique), or joint fusion to improve function and reduce pain.

Making Your Home Senior Pet-Friendly

• Simple environmental modifications can help your arthritic pet:
• Provide soft, orthopedic pet beds away from cold or drafty areas
• Use ramps or steps for furniture and cars
• Place bowls and litter boxes at comfortable heights
• Install non-slip flooring or rugs on slippery surfaces
• Arthritic cats benefit from litter boxes with lower sides for easier access, and large breed dogs benefit from raised feeders

Early intervention and consistent management are key to keeping your senior pet comfortable and active throughout their golden years. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to create a personalized plan tailored to your pet’s needs.