spot the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats

Osteoarthritis (or OA) is a common degenerative joint condition in dogs and cats. Thankfully, OA is manageable and the sooner you identify it, the sooner you can slow its progression. But here’s the tricky part — pets (especially cats!) are notoriously good at hiding their pain, so keeping a close eye on your pet is important. Recognizing the signs of OA is key, and by working with your veterinary team, you can help improve your furry pal’s comfort.

Reach out to your Banfield veterinary team if you think your pet shows signs of OA. They can answer questions, help provide a diagnosis, and start your pet on a personalized mobility care plan. Make an appointment 

What is osteoarthritis in pets?

OA is a chronic, progressive disease that’s caused by cartilage breakdown. Pets (like humans) need cartilage to help their joints run smoothly. Without it, friction occurs, which in turn leads to further inflammation and pain. Oftentimes OA isn’t diagnosed until it’s advanced, and by then joints may become thickened and enlarged.

Sometimes people equate arthritis with “general stiffness.” However, stiffness is a symptom that can be caused by a number of conditions, including injury, inactivity, or infection. OA is a chronic disease that causes continuous breakdown of cartilage and needs a multimodal approach for proper treatment. This could be a combination of weight management, nutritional intervention, pain management, and/or different physical therapy modalities.

Is it just aging or is it arthritis?

Old age isn’t a disease. So mobility symptoms like stiffness and moving slowly shouldn’t be attributed to a pet’s age. While we do see the majority of OA in older pets, it can be diagnosed in younger pets as well.

Because OA is a progressive disease, early detection is incredibly important. The sooner you identify it, the sooner you can slow its progression and help your pet get relief. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss any changes in activity level or behavior to explore what may be causing these changes.

The signs of arthritis: a species-specific guide

Since pets can’t tell us when they aren’t feeling well, it’s crucial we keep a keen eye on them at home. Some early signs of arthritis in dogs include:

• Lagging on walks
• Decreased interest in playing
• Staying in bed or sleeping longer than usual
• Stiffness after rest
• Limping after exercise
• Reluctance to use stairs, jump into the car, or jump on furniture

Cats often hide their pain, so detecting signs of OA can be quite challenging. Here are things to look out for:

• A decrease in overall energy and activity levels
• Less interactive with family members
• Decreased interest in playing
• Peeing or pooping outside the litter box
• Grooming themselves less
• Licking or chewing a certain spot
• Purring more (purring can actually be a sign of pain)
• Changes in personality (more sensitive or withdrawn)
• Flinching or meowing when being petted or picked up
• Scratching or biting
• Sleeping in a hunched position

What puts a pet at risk? Common causes of osteoarthritis in pets

There’s no single cause of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. However, there are a number of things that can put a pet at a higher risk. These include:

• Previous injuries or surgeries may trigger pain and inflammation that can lead to OA
• Certain dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are more prone to OA
• Obesity can put extra strain on a pet’s joints leading to OA
• Orthopedic issues like hip or elbow dysplasia increase a pet’s likeliness to develop OA
• Nutrition and lifestyle can play a part in a dog or cat experiencing OA

During the physical exam, we may be able to identify pain or crepitus (grinding, popping, and/or crackling when moving a joint) in their joints. However, many of the changes in joints can only be seen through imaging. Radiographs are the first diagnostic step needed to confirm arthritis. They help rule out other possible diagnoses like soft tissue injuries, joint/bone infections, or even cancer. We may also suggest more specific imaging like an MRI or CT scan or other diagnostic testing to help reach a clearer diagnosis.

If you’re curious about symptoms or needing late-night advice, you can connect with a veterinary professional 24/7 through Pet Chat^™. It’s available in most states and included in all our Optimum Wellness Plans^® and the Banfield Access Plan^™.

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Common myths about pet arthritis

There are some common myths in the pet arthritis world and we’re here to set the record straight.

Arthritis is a normal part of aging. — False!

No, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. Old age is not a disease, so any changes in behavior or activity should be evaluated by your veterinarian to determine the cause.

Cats can’t get arthritis. — False!

Cats can get arthritis — but they’re very skilled at hiding their pain, which makes OA often go undiagnosed. Monitor your cat’s behavior and activity level for changes. Consider completing this OA checklist prior to your vet visit to help identify changes that might demonstrate your pet is in pain.

Nothing can be done to help a pet with arthritis. — False!

Several things can be done to help a pet with arthritis. These include weight management, diet changes, specific exercises, nutritional supplements, physical therapy modalities, and medications. The earlier the disease is detected, the more we can do to help eliminate as much of your pet’s pain as possible. But even if the disease is advanced, there are things we can do!