Managing Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
As our pets live longer, age-related conditions like arthritis are becoming more common. Arthritis is a chronic, painful condition caused by inflammation in one or more joints. It’s a major factor affecting your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Overweight animals are especially at risk. It’s not just the extra weight on joints — increased fat tissue releases inflammatory factors that worsen joint inflammation throughout the body. Obesity also makes pets more prone to injury and slower to recover.
Some young animals develop arthritis from congenital issues or joint injuries. Whether it’s new or long-standing, arthritis requires proactive and tailored care.
Diagnosing Arthritis
We assess arthritis using:
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Your observations at home – Is your pet reluctant to jump or move normally?
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Veterinary examination – Checking pain, flexibility, gait, and range of motion.
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X-rays – Often under sedation or general anaesthetic for clear imaging.
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Advanced imaging – CT or MRI at specialist centres for complex cases.
Pets hide pain instinctively, so the signs can be subtle. Often, owners only realise how sore their pet was after seeing improvement with treatment.
Management Strategies
Arthritis is lifelong and progresses more rapidly in animals than humans. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent flare-ups — especially those caused by slips or strains on sore joints (“acute on chronic” episodes).
We use a multimodal approach, combining several therapies for the best outcome.
✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight control is the single most important step. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce pain. Excess fat worsens joint inflammation and increases injury risk.
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Dietary management, not exercise, is key for weight loss — exercising an overweight pet can strain their joints.
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Our vets will guide you on calorie control and safe food options.
✅ Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are often used when pain flares up, such as after activity or injury. They can also be used long-term under veterinary supervision.
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Reduce pain and inflammation.
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Very effective when used according to safety guidelines.
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Side effects (vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite changes) are rare — contact us immediately if you notice any.
✅ Cartrophen Injections
A course of four weekly injections helps:
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Improve joint fluid quality
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Increase blood flow
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Reduce inflammation and pain
Cartrophen is very safe and can be repeated every 6–12 months depending on your pet’s needs.
✅ Multimodal Pain Relief
Some pets require a combination of therapies. We may include:
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Gabapentin
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Paracetamol (dogs only, under veterinary direction)
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Opioids
These are carefully tailored to your pet and monitored closely.
✅ Nutraceuticals (Joint Supplements)
Supplements can reduce inflammation and support cartilage. These include:
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin – nourish cartilage
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids – reduce joint inflammation
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Green-lipped mussel & krill oil – as found in Antinol Rapid, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory proven to increase limb use and reduce pain
These products are generally safe, with few side effects, and can be combined with other treatments.
✅ Monoclonal Antibody Injections
Beransa® (dogs) and Solensia® (cats) target a specific pain pathway in arthritic joints.
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One injection per month
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Safe, with minimal side effects
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May be recommended if other medications are not suitable or not enough
✅ Bedding and Flooring
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Use soft bedding to cushion sore joints, especially on hard floors.
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Prevent slips with non-slip mats on tiles or polished floors.
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Arhtritic pets are prone to injuries from falls or slips, which can cause painful flare-ups.
✅ Gentle Exercise and Hydrotherapy
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Regular, low-impact movement maintains muscle strength and joint function.
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Avoid overexertion — your vet can guide you on safe activity.
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Hydrotherapy can build strength without joint strain and is a great option after the initial rest phase. We list trusted providers on our TPLO After Care Page
✅ Prescription Diets
Veterinary joint diets like Royal Canin Mobility Support provide anti-inflammatory nutrients and joint-supporting ingredients.
Monitoring and Check-Ups
Pets on long-term arthritis management need regular reviews:
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6-monthly veterinary exams – to adjust medications or weight goals.
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Routine blood tests – to ensure medications remain safe.
Each arthritis treatment plan is personalised to your pet’s needs and response to therapy.
If your pet is slowing down or showing signs of joint pain, we can help.
Early intervention and the right plan can restore comfort and improve quality of life.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
