Arthritis care for dogs and cats is one of the most common treatments we provide through our rehabilitation team. Our approach involves a combination of therapies and medication, tailored to the needs of each individual pet, and we have many examples of dogs and cats whose lives have been improved immeasurably through treatment. In this blog, we’ll look at how common arthritis is in pets, how you can spot the signs of this condition and the treatments we offer.
Is arthritis in dogs and cats common?
Arthritis is more common than was previously thought. According to Canine Arthritis Management, recent research has suggested that signs of arthritis in one or more joints can be seen in x-rays in 40% of dogs between the ages of four months and eight years old, and 24% have some degree of pain related to these arthritic changes. Cats Protection say that more than 80% of cats over the age of 10 suffer from arthritis, but it often goes undiagnosed
As with many conditions, spotting the signs early can not only relieve pain in the present but can also help to prevent or reduce deterioration in the future.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a very complex condition that affects joints and soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It causes inflammation and pain, and there are knock-on effects too. When one part of an animal is sore, they often compensate by changing how they move to avoid pain. This unnatural movement can make other parts of dogs and cats painful too. Pain also affects how your pet behaves, sleeps, moves, toilets, grooms and more, which may help you to spot that they are suffering, even though dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain.
Why is arthritis such a problem?
Until recently, arthritis was associated with older cats and dogs and was thought simply to be an inevitable part of ageing. However, as veterinarians learn more about chronic pain, of which arthritis is a leading cause, the more we find out about how it affects pets’ lifespan and their overall physical and emotional health. Arthritis is often found to be a complicating factor in conditions such as soft tissue pain and disease, obesity and behavioural problems.
Arthritis can actually develop in puppies and kittens, affecting their entire life. It is progressive and often costly to treat. Pain caused by poorly managed arthritis is one of the main reasons why dogs are prematurely euthenised, even if they are otherwise healthy. It can often go unrecognised until it is severe but the earlier joint issues or arthritis are diagnosed, the more treatment options are available and the more opportunities there are to change the course of the disease and slow its progression.
Below are some signs your pet might be in pain, which may help you identify possible arthritis early.
Could my pet be in pain?
It can be very difficult to tell whether your pet may be in pain as they often hide the signs. Even though your pet can’t speak up to tell you they’re hurting, here are some behaviour signs your pet may be in pain:
Aggressive or anti-social behaviour
If your pet suddenly begins showing signs of aggression, such as growling or nipping at you or other animals in your home, this may be a sign they’re hurting.
Being more or less vocal
If your usually quiet cat or dog seems to be crying or whimpering, they may be in pain. On the other hand, some pets are less vocal or are subdued if they’re in discomfort.
Changes in habits
What, how often, and how much your pet eats, drinks, or sleeps typically stays consistent. But if you notice a significant change – a decrease in eating, decrease or increase in drinking, and an increase in sleeping, for example – that could be a signal that something’s wrong.
Mobility problems
Limping, difficulty walking, or stumbling is not normal for pets. Sometimes, you’ll get an indication of what hurts based on how your pet is walking. No matter what, a sudden change in mobility is cause for concern.
Changes to posture
Look closely at your pet – do their legs look swollen or somehow different? Is your pet standing more hunched-over or holding their legs straighter than usual? This could be a sign that something’s hurting.
Shaking or trembling
The cold or fear are not the only reasons your pet may tremble. Pain, poisoning, or some illnesses can cause shaking in pets.
Excessive grooming
Having a pet that wants to keep clean is great! But if you notice that your pet is obsessively licking or chewing on the same spot, that could be a signal that something hurts. Frequent grooming can also be a sign that your pet is trying to soothe themselves.
Treatment for arthritis
At Aldgate Vets, we believe in a holistic approach which does not simply rely on medication. We have in-house facilities and a dedicated rehabilitation team providing a range of services which can help not only manage chronic pain but also lead to health improvements which relieve the underlying causes. Below are some of these services.
Hydrotherapy
Based in purpose-built facilities within our new Bridlington small animal hospital, our team now offer hydrotherapy to pets of all ages looking to manage chronic pain, improve mobility and build confidence. This includes a large heated hydrotherapy pool and aquatic treadmill.
Hydrotherapy combines well with traditional medicines and treatments, promoting healing and recovery for a range of conditions and injuries. Animals recovering from surgery, seeking to lose weight and managing common orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis, spinal disc disease and hip dysplasia, all make excellent candidates for hydrotherapy treatment.
Find out more about hydrotherapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine, solid needles into the body for pain relief or, in some cases, to help the body deal with other diseases. Arthritis pain is the most common condition which benefits from acupuncture but it could also be muscle strains, pain secondary to disc disease and bony changes of the spine. Other kinds of pain may also respond to acupuncture. Functional conditions such as constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond.
Most of the time dogs and cats experiencing acupuncture accept the fine needles very well and often become relaxed and sleepy during the treatment. Some pets appear to look forward to the next treatment when they come back to the practice!
Find out more about acupuncture.
Laser Therapy
Veterinary laser therapy for pets is a non-invasive, pain-free and drug-free option for a variety of conditions, which can safely be performed alongside existing medical and surgical treatments. Laser therapy works by a process called photobiostimulation – deep-penetrating light promotes a chain of chemical reactions in the body’s cells. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace. The faster your pet heals, the better they feel.
Aside from pain relief, some other important benefits of veterinary laser therapy include improved nerve function, faster wound healing, accelerated tissue repair and cell growth. We have many examples of dogs and cats who have benefitted from laser therapy.
Read Cooper’s story.
Read Bilius’s story.
Case studies
Here are two dogs who both came to us for treatment for arthritis.
This is Misty, a 12-year-old Labrador cross who has been struggling with arthritis. Misty absolutely loves coming to her swimming sessions and took to the pool like a duck to water. She has come so far since starting hydrotherapy in January. Misty’s owner has noticed a much happier pup at home who is now able to climb the stairs again, enjoy longer walks and have fun with her doggy sibling. We love having your smiley face Misty and we are so proud of you.
This is Riley, an 11-year-old Jack Russell who has also been suffering with arthritis. Riley first started with our rehabilitation team in January, seeing our vet Rayana for chronic pain management. It was then decided a month later that Riley was ready to start his hydrotherapy journey and we began his treatment in the pool. Three months down the line, Riley is now so much more comfortable, loving his walks, going on lots of holidays and is just generally loving life. His owner cannot believe the difference that hydrotherapy has made for him.
Find out more
Meet our rehabilitation team and learn more about the treatments we offer for arthritis and many other conditions on our rehabilitation page. If you are not currently registered with us, this page allows you to complete a referral request form, following which we will contact your vet. If you are already registered with us, please contact us to make an initial assessment appointment.
