Arthritis & Joint Pain

Dogs and cats show arthritis differently, and both species are often stoic about joint pain. Signs to watch for in dogs:

• Stiffness after rest that eases once they've "warmed up"
• Reluctance to jump into the car, climb stairs, or rise from lying down
• Lagging on walks that used to be easy
• Licking, chewing, or guarding a specific joint
• Visible muscle loss (atrophy) over the hindquarters
• Behavior changes — irritability, reduced play interest, or accidents in the house

Signs in cats are subtler:

• Missing the litter box (pain from stepping over the rim)
• Grooming less, especially the back and tail base
• Reduced jumping height or avoiding favorite perches entirely
• Hiding more than usual or reacting poorly to being petted near the spine or hips

Arthritis has two main origins — primary wear-and-tear and secondary joint damage from another condition:

• Age — cartilage thins naturally over time; most dogs over 7 years have some degree of OA
• Obesity — excess body weight accelerates cartilage loss and amplifies inflammation in every joint
• Prior joint injuries — cruciate ligament tears, fractures, or dislocations alter joint mechanics and hasten arthritis
• Developmental abnormalities — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation predispose affected joints to early OA
• Breed size — large and giant breeds carry disproportionate joint loads; small breeds are more prone to spinal and patellar arthritis
• Repetitive high-impact activity — working dogs and highly active dogs accumulate joint wear faster

A definitive arthritis diagnosis rests on clinical signs plus imaging. Our process:

Orthopedic examination — We assess gait, palpate each joint for swelling and reduced range of motion, apply gentle stress tests, and note which joints elicit a pain response. In cats, subtle reactions to gentle joint manipulation are often the first objective clue.

Digital radiographs (X-rays) — Films of the affected joints show narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs (osteophytes), subchondral bone changes, and soft tissue swelling. Radiographs also help rule out other causes of pain such as bone tumors or fractures.

Pain scoring — We use validated chronic pain scales to create a baseline against which future visits can be compared, helping us gauge whether a treatment plan is working.

Lab work — Blood and urine screening before starting anti-inflammatory medications confirms kidney and liver function, which are important for long-term drug safety.

The most effective arthritis management combines multiple approaches — because each one works through a different mechanism, they add up to more relief than any single treatment alone.

Weight management — The single highest-impact intervention. Every pound of excess weight removed reduces joint load dramatically; even modest loss measurably improves function.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — The backbone of canine arthritis management, reducing both inflammation and pain. Veterinary NSAIDs are formulated specifically for dogs (human ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic to pets). Regular bloodwork monitoring protects kidney and liver health during long-term use.

Monoclonal antibody therapy (anti-NGF) — Bedinvetmab (Librela) for dogs and frunevetmab (Solensia) for cats are once-monthly injectable antibodies that block nerve growth factor, a key pain signal. They offer a different mechanism than NSAIDs and are particularly valuable for cats, who have limited safe NSAID options.

Joint supplements — Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin support cartilage health; they are not replacements for pain medication but complement it.

Physical rehabilitation and controlled exercise — Regular, low-impact activity (leash walks, swimming, underwater treadmill) maintains muscle mass and joint mobility without overloading the cartilage.

Surgical options — For joints where arthritis has been accelerated by a structural problem (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate tear), addressing the root cause surgically — such as a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) for the hip — can significantly slow progression.

Many owners assume slowing down is just what older pets do — but pain is usually behind that change, and it's treatable. If your dog is stiffening up on the walk to Malibu Creek or your cat has stopped jumping onto the couch, bring them in for an evaluation. Our team will assess which joints are involved, rule out other causes of discomfort, and design a pain management plan scaled to your pet's needs and your daily routine. Book an appointment — your pet doesn't have to hurt to get through the day.