Pets; Arthritis in Cats Dogs

Arthritis in Cats and Dogs

Older cats and dogs often have stiffness in their joints and often hobble and creak around the house, while some struggle up and down stairs and find getting to their feet on a chilly morning especially difficult.

Don’t assume that this is a normal ‘old age thing’ and that nothing can be done. The truth is that older pets with arthritis have a new lease on life if treated properly and there is no reason to allow your pet to suffer the pain of ‘old bones’. Arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA). DJD refers to damage to the joint cartilage and adjacent bone caused by abnormal stresses on the joint. These stresses are due to abnormality in the joint which may be inherited, such as hip dysplasia or caused by trauma, such as an accident or years of wear on hard working joints. It is a chronic, progressive disorder characterised by cartilage damage, proliferation of new bone, and thickening of the joint capsule.

What causes arthritis?

Simply it is wear and tear on the joints in an animal’s body. In dogs over 6 years of age, 65% have arthritis, whilst the figure is over 80% for cats over 10 years of age. Sometimes the cause is some form of trauma to the joints such as a ruptured cruciate ligament in the knee which usually leads to arthritis. In other cases, the joints develop in an abnormal way and arthritis results, such as hip dysplasia. Normally a dog’s hip joint is a smooth ‘ball and socket’ joint but in hip dysplasia, the ball and socket more closely resemble a square peg in a round hole. As the dog walks, the ‘square peg’ grinds away mercilessly at the joint and arthritis develops. Immune mediated, inflammatory conditions and infections of the joints also cause arthritis. Once a joint is injured, a cascade of events occurs, damaging their joint still further, causing a cycle of inflammation and further continual pain.

How will I know if my pet has arthritis?

Arthritis makes movement painful. For this reason, an affected dog or cat will be reluctant to exercise and is less likely to jump, play or chase balls. Dogs may have difficulty getting in the car. Dogs which have difficulty in rising - particularly after resting usually have arthritis. However, after they have struggled to get up, they tend to move more freely after they ‘warm up’. They may lag behind during walks and they may limp. Arthritis in cats can be harder to spot, they may demonstrate difficulty jumping, often grooming less so their coats become unkept, while sometimes they have difficulty using a litter tray properly as they struggle to squat. Some cats just sleep more. Certainly, any animal with arthritis ‘loses its spark’ and has a reduced quality of life.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

The history along with a thorough examination to determine the range of movement in a joint, any joint thickening or crepitus (a crunching/ crackling feeling while manipulating the joint) and the degree of pain. Xrays can demonstrate the changes within the joint and rule out other problems which can cause pain. Sometimes joint fluid samples are taken to rule out infection and immune-mediated problems, as these have specific treatments.

How will my vet treat arthritis?

The treatment depends on many factors including underlying cause, the age of the pet, the degree of bony changes present, and the amount of pain and disability the condition is causing. Diet - obesity is a strong contributory factor, so weight reduction is essential to reduce stress on the joints. Exercise modification – encourage dogs gentle on-lead exercise without periods of free running, along with swimming as it strengthens the muscles and ligaments surrounding joints without the stresses of weightbearing exercise. Ultimately little and often is the key. Many early problems can be treated with just diet and exercise. Painkillers/anti-inflammatories –There are several safe, very effective medications formulated for animals that can be prescribed by your vet. There are also stem cell treatments and platelet rich plasma injections that can prove beneficial. Monoclonal Antibody Injections –The latest therapy available for the treatment of arthritis in dogs and cats. These have very few side effects reported and can be very effective in the management of joint pain. Joint supplements – products that both stimulate cartilage repair and inhibit ongoing cartilage damage. These supplements may also help by increasing the production of normal compounds within the joint which act as lubricants and protectants for the cartilage. Denatured type II collagen products help to reduce the body’s immune system responses within the joints, slowing down the progression of arthritic change. Soft bedding – arthritis symptoms are always worse in the winter months so make sure your pet has a nice comfortable bed in a warm and easy to access place. Cats may need their bed in a less elevated position and consider a larger litter tray with low sides or cut out at the front so they can enter easily. Surgery – as a last resort to alleviate discomfort. The success of surgery depends on the condition being treated. Surgery may include joint replacements or fusing affected joints (arthrodesis). If you notice your pet has any of these signs or other problems with your pet, please feel free to contact us on 01603 783920. David Martin BVM&S MRCVS

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