Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA) in Pets

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting pets - whether they’re bounding around on four legs or trotting on hooves.

OA is a degenerative, progressive and often painful condition that can quietly impact your animal’s quality of life.

Arthritis refers to inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It’s not just a condition of old age - young animals can develop arthritis too, especially after injury or due to developmental abnormalities.

But with the right support, including veterinary physiotherapy, your pet can stay mobile, comfortable and engaged in their daily life.

An illustration of a normal joint vs an arthritic joint

Common Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• Wear and tear over time

• Joint instability, such as hip or elbow dysplasia

• Previous injuries or surgeries

• Autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis)

• Poor conformation or biomechanical strain

• Obesity, which increases joint stress & systemic inflammation

Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

Arthritis often develops gradually, making early signs easy to miss. If your pet seems “slower” or “not quite themselves” it could indicate the presence of arthritis.

While symptoms vary between individual cases, some common signs include:

• Stiffness, especially after rest

• Reluctance to jump, run, or climb

• Limping or uneven movement

• Muscle loss around affected joints

• Irritability or withdrawal

• Difficulty rising or lying down

• Changes in posture or gait

Managing Arthritis

Because OA is a progressive, degenerative condition - it requires long-term or lifelong management, to ensure that your pet has the best possible quality of life.

Management typically includes:

• Weight control to reduce excess joint strain

• Pain relief through vet prescribed medications

• Environmental adjustments like ramps, soft bedding and non-slip surfaces

• Gentle exercise to maintain mobility and muscle tone

• Nutritional support including joint supplements

• Physiotherapy plays a key role in long-term comfort, strength and drug-free pain management

Why Physiotherapy Matters

Veterinary physiotherapy offers gentle, hands-on support that complements traditional veterinary care.

How Physio can help:

• Laser Therapy can help to slow down progression of OA

• Providing drug-free pain management

• Improving joint mobility and reducing stiffness

• Strengthening muscles to support affected joints

• Enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation

• Teaching owners safe, effective home exercises

• Improving overall quality of life

• Identifying subtle changes before they become more serious

Gentle targeted physio exercises help to improve your pet's strength, joint support, mobility and overall comfort

Final Thoughts

Arthritis doesn’t mean a life of discomfort or the end of joyful movement - it simply calls for thoughtful support. With a holistic, compassionate approach, we can help your pet stay active, connected and comfortable for years to come.

If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s mobility or mood, contact us today and let’s talk about it. A gentle physiotherapy session could be the first step toward a happier and more comfortable life.

Images in this blog post were generated using AI

© 2025 Holistic Strides Vet Physio. All Rights Reserved.