Arthritis Pain Management

Helping your pet move comfortably and enjoy life again.

As a veterinarian, one of the most common and often overlooked conditions I diagnose is arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). It affects dogs, cats, and even exotic animals—and while it’s most frequently seen in senior pets, it can begin at any age, especially following injury or joint abnormalities.

Arthritis can significantly impact a pet’s quality of life, but early detection and treatment make a huge difference. Let’s walk through how we, as veterinarians, diagnose arthritis and what signs you should look for at home. What Every Pet Owner Should Know

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic, progressive inflammation of the joints that leads to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Over time, the protective cartilage between joints wears down, leading to discomfort, swelling, and changes in the way your pet moves.

Animals are incredibly good at hiding pain, which makes early diagnosis tricky. You might not see limping or whining right away—but subtle behavioral changes are often the first signs. Watch for:
  • Stiffness when getting up or lying down
  • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or go on walks
  • Limping or favoring one leg
  • Decreased activity or interest in play
  • Muscle loss in the hind legs or shoulders
  • Changes in temperament or irritability
  • Licking or chewing at joints
If you notice these signs, don’t assume it's “just old age.” Arthritis is a medical condition—and it’s treatable. Signs Your Pet Might Have Arthritis

How We Diagnose Arthritis in the Clinic

The first step is a thorough physical exam. I watch how your pet moves when walking or getting up, then gently palpate (feel) the joints for signs of:

  • Swelling or heat
  • Joint thickening or bony changes
  • Pain during range-of-motion testing
  • Crepitus (a crackling sound or feeling in the joint)

This hands-on assessment helps us localize the affected joints and gauge the severity of discomfort.

Serum hyaluronic acid (sHA) is a blood test for the early detection of degenerative joint disease (DJD) as well as post-therapeutic monitoring for therapy effectiveness. Positive sHA values are to be interpreted as positive for DJD provided the patient does not have severe liver disease. The use of CRP (dogs) or HPT (cats) assists in the severity of osteoarthritis, treatment efficacy, and the differential diagnosis of IMPA.

X-rays allow us to:

  • Assess joint space narrowing
  • Identify bone spurs (osteophytes)
  • Detect joint remodeling or degeneration
  • Rule out fractures or other bone diseases

While early-stage arthritis may not always show dramatic changes on X-ray, even mild abnormalities can confirm our suspicions when combined with exam and laboratory findings.

The first step is a thorough physical exam. I watch how your pet moves when walking or getting up, then gently palpate (feel) the joints for signs of:

  • Swelling or heat
  • Joint thickening or bony changes
  • Pain during range-of-motion testing
  • Crepitus (a crackling sound or feeling in the joint)

This hands-on assessment helps us localize the affected joints and gauge the severity of discomfort.

Serum hyaluronic acid (sHA) is a blood test for the early detection of degenerative joint disease (DJD) as well as post-therapeutic monitoring for therapy effectiveness. Positive sHA values are to be interpreted as positive for DJD provided the patient does not have severe liver disease. The use of CRP (dogs) or HPT (cats) assists in the severity of osteoarthritis, treatment efficacy, and the differential diagnosis of IMPA.

X-rays allow us to:

  • Assess joint space narrowing
  • Identify bone spurs (osteophytes)
  • Detect joint remodeling or degeneration
  • Rule out fractures or other bone diseases

While early-stage arthritis may not always show dramatic changes on X-ray, even mild abnormalities can confirm our suspicions when combined with exam and laboratory findings.

Diagnosing Arthritis in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding pain. They rarely limp and often avoid being touched where it hurts. Signs of arthritis in cats are often behavioral:

  • Not jumping onto counters or furniture
  • Hesitating before climbing
  • Increased grooming (or less grooming)
  • Sleeping more or avoiding activity
  • Changes in litter box habits (difficulty stepping in/out)

I often rely on owner observations and gentle orthopedic exams to detect feline arthritis. Labwork to assess HA levels are also helpful in making a diagnosis of arthritis when the cat is masking pain.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once arthritis is diagnosed, we can create a customized treatment plan. This may include:

  • Pain management (NSAIDs, supplements, laser therapy, etc.)
  • Weight management and diet adjustments with guidance from our nutritionist
  • Controlled exercise and physical rehabilitation therapy

  • Joint-supportive supplements (like Adequan, omega-3s)
  • Advanced therapies like regenerative therapy, acupuncture, laser or shockwave therapy

  • Pain management (NSAIDs, supplements, laser therapy, etc.)
  • Weight management and diet adjustments with guidance from our nutritionist
  • Controlled exercise and physical rehabilitation therapy
  • Joint-supportive supplements (like Adequan, omega-3s)
  • Advanced therapies like regenerative therapy, acupuncture, laser or shockwave therapy

Final Thoughts from the Clinic

Arthritis may be common, but it doesn’t have to mean a life of pain or inactivity for your pet. With early detection and the right treatment, we can keep your dog or cat comfortable, mobile, and happy for years to come. To learn more about canine arthritis please visit caninearthritis.org/pet-parent/.

If you suspect your pet may be dealing with joint pain, don’t wait. Schedule an evaluation—we’re here to help keep them moving.