With the cooler weather almost upon us, this is often when we notice our pets (including horses and livestock!) slowing down more. Often the cold weather brings increased stiffness and more reluctance to move. Animals can be slower to get going in the morning and generally, their movements can appear stilted and painful and can even result in lameness and inability to rise. These can all be signs of degenerative joint disease (commonly known as arthritis) that are often more pronounced in the cold weather. It is important you know what to look for, so we can ensure your pet is living through winter with as little discomfort as possible. But it’s not always as obvious as not getting out of bed in the morning so what do we need to watch for and what can we do if we think our pet is suffering from arthritis, no matter the species?

Understanding Arthritis in Pets and Livestock

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition that wears down the cartilage on joint surfaces, leading to significant pain. As the disease advances, it often causes secondary changes in the joint, which can be seen on X-rays, such as bone remodeling, alterations in joint fluid density, and degenerative changes in the cartilage.

However, in the early stages, radiographs may not show obvious signs, even if your pet is experiencing some discomfort. So, how can we determine if your pet has arthritis? What management options are available, and when should we start considering them?

Spotting Symptoms

When determining if your pet may have arthritis, there are some subtle and some not-so-subtle signs to watch for at home. Some are obvious, like lameness, but otherwise can be tricky to see. In elderly cats, for example, a sedentary life can be quite normal for them so when does a cat sleeping all day start to be concerning? You know your pet best, so you as an owner are the best person to answer that question.

Did your pet used to greet you at the side of the bed in the mornings but now just waits for you to get up? Did they love jumping on the couch with you at night but now choose to stay on the floor? Do they think twice about jumping on you when you are first home from work? And for our large animals, are they lying down more or slower to come up for feed? Are they sluggish on a ride or “just don’t feel right” under saddle? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it may be worth considering if your pet is indeed suffering from arthritis.

Effective Management and Treatment Options

So, what next? A vet visit is in order to have a thorough exam. During the exam the vet will watch your animal move around the room (or paddock!), perform a thorough examination of the limbs and spine, and then (depending on the species) will perform a series of flexion tests to see how your pet moves after a joint is held in flexion for a period of time. At that point the vet will discuss whether they think x-rays are indicated to get a clearer understanding of the severity of the joint disease.

In some circumstances it may be that we discuss a treatment trial instead to see how your pet responds to arthritis management. This is decided on a case-by-case basis. There are many effective ways to manage arthritis and help pets live longer, healthier lives. With ongoing advancements in arthritis treatment, we now have a range of options to improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. Supplements like Antinol and Forcyte can support joint health, while pain relief medications such as anti-inflammatories and paracetamol provide more immediate relief.

For long-term management, options like Cartrophen (available for dogs, horses, and livestock) can help slow disease progression. Additionally, innovative monoclonal antibody therapy, specifically designed for cats and dogs, works by blocking arthritic pain at its source. In particular, arthritis treatment for cats has seen significant progress, offering new hope for our feline friends!

If you think your pet may be showing signs of arthritis then get in touch! There is so much we can do for them to ensure they are comfortable and living their best life!