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Osteoarthritis (also known as OA, arthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common joint condition in cats and dogs that causes chronic pain. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down due to age, injury, or instability and can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort. If your pet is living with osteoarthritis click here to schedule a free 15 minute virtual consult to see how rehabilitation with WEVR can help.
Signs of OA can be subtle at first. Dogs may show stiffness after rest, limping, reluctance to move, or loss of muscle mass. Cats may hide more, stop jumping or climbing, groom less (leading to an unkempt coat), or demonstrate sensitivity to touch. Changes in litter box habits (such as urinating or defecating outside of the box) can also be a sign of OA in cats, as joint stiffness and pain may make it difficult for them to climb in and out of the litter box. In addition, if the cat associates squatting in the box with pain they may try to avoid using the litter box altogether.
While often associated with older pets, OA can develop at any
age—especially in pets with joint abnormalities (like hip or elbow dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears), past injuries, or those
who are overweight or obese. Some breeds, especially large-breed dogs, are particularly prone to developing OA.
While osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, it can often be effectively managed with timely intervention. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, supporting joint health, using environmental changes to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday activities, and maintaining mobility and quality of life.
Your veterinarian may recommend anti-inflammatory medications (like meloxicam or robenacoxib), chronic pain medications (such as gabapentin or amantadine), or monthly injections targeting Nerve Growth Factor such as Solensia® for cats and Librela® for dogs.
Joint support supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel extract, and undenatured collagen type II may also help. It is important to always consult your vet before starting any new medication or supplement, as some products made for humans or other animals can be harmful to cats and dogs. In advanced cases of OA where the above treatments are not adequate to manage the condition, joint injections or surgery may be recommended. Often, a combination of medications, supplements and other therapies are recommended as part of a multi-modal approach to arthritis management.
Making simple changes at home can go a long way in supporting pets with arthritis. Adding ramps or pet stairs can help provide easier access to furniture or vehicles. Non-slip flooring, like rubber-backed rugs, can help reduce the risk of slipping. Elevated food and water bowls can ease neck and joint strain during meals, and orthopedic or heated beds can provide extra comfort for sore joints. For cats, switching to a low-entry litter box can make daily routines much easier and more comfortable, and help reduce the risk of accidents outside the litter box.
Although OA is a progressive condition, many pets can thrive with early intervention and a customized care plan that includes rehabilitation. WEVR’s integrative rehab services are designed to support your pet’s mobility and quality of life—all within the comfort of your regular veterinary clinic.
Integrative rehabilitation therapies can be used in addition to traditional treatments to help improve comfort and function for pets living with OA. Laser therapy and acupuncture can reduce pain and inflammation, massage and Tui-na work to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, and therapeutic exercises help build strength and balance. Additional modalities like PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) offer non-invasive options to provide pain relief and help promote tissue healing. WEVR brings these services directly to your veterinary clinic—no need for a referral to a specialty centre. Each treatment is part of a customized plan to help your pet feel and move their best, and we provide home care exercises and activities to help maintain your pet’s progress between sessions.
Schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation with us and learn how we can help your pet!