One of the most common challenges we see in senior pets is osteoarthritis (OA), a painful, progressive condition affecting the joints. It’s far more common than many people realise, but with the right care, we can make a huge difference to comfort and mobility.
What’s Happening Inside the Joint
In healthy joints, smooth cartilage cushions the bone ends and allows easy movement. With osteoarthritis in senior pets, this cartilage wears down and inflammation develops. The body tries to repair the damage by producing new bone (osteophytes), which causes stiffness and more pain.
Over time, surrounding muscles weaken because the joints don’t move as freely, creating a vicious cycle of pain and reduced activity.
Early recognition, weight control and regular movement are key to slowing this process.
What We Notice as Vets
Often, the first clues come from your observations at home:
- “She’s not jumping up on the sofa anymore.”
- “He turns back sooner on walks.”
- “She’s grumpy when brushed.”
- “He’s reluctant to get in the car.”
On examination, we may find joint thickening, stiffness after rest, reduced muscle mass or, in cats, reluctance to flex the spine.
Research suggests that up to 80% of dogs over eight have arthritis, and many go undiagnosed because changes are mistaken for “just getting old.”
Spotting the Signs at Home
Look for subtle changes such as:
- Slower to rise, climb stairs or jump
- Shorter walks or stiffness after rest
- Behavioural shifts- less playful, more withdrawn
- Cats grooming less, choosing lower spots to rest, or missing the litter tray
Pain often hides behind small changes. Catching pain caused by osteoarthritis in senior pets, helps us act before it becomes a constant source of discomfort or reduces their quality of life.
How We Can Help — Medical Management
Our goal is to maintain comfort, mobility and quality of life using a tailored, multimodal approach:
- Pain relief & anti-inflammatories – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the cornerstone of treatment.
- Monoclonal antibody therapy – Targets specific pain pathways and, for the majority of pets, is highly effective with minimal side effects. Given as a monthly injection, this treatment is an excellent option for pets who struggle with oral medication.
- Additional medications – In more advanced cases, combining drugs can help manage pain while reducing the side effects of higher single-agent doses.
- Supplements – Products containing omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health and help slow progression.
- Acupuncture & laser therapy – Both can reduce chronic pain and improve mobility.
At Priory Vets, we’re fortunate to work with Jane Oatley, an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics and certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. Jane has undergone further training in dog rehabilitation, including musculoskeletal ultrasound, western acupuncture and laser treatment, and works closely with local physiotherapists to provide a truly holistic approach to pain management.
What You Can Do at Home
- Weight management: The single most powerful tool for slowing osteoarthritis. We promise we’re not nagging – keeping your senior pet slim is genuinely one of the kindest things you can do. It reduces strain on joints and inflammation throughout the body. Aim to feel your pet’s ribs easily and see a defined waist.
- Gentle, regular exercise: “Little and often” keeps joints lubricated and muscles strong. Pet strollers can be a great way to let dogs exercise within their comfort zone, without cutting short the walks you both enjoy.
- Home adaptations: Soft bedding, ramps, non-slip mats and easy access to food, water and litter trays all make daily life easier.
- Senior health checks: Regular monitoring of weight, muscle tone and movement allows us to adjust treatment before pain escalates.
- Useful resources: For dog owners, the Canine Arthritis Management website is an excellent resource full of practical tips, videos and support.
Extra Peace of Mind with the Priory Pet Club
For pets living with arthritis or other long-term conditions, ongoing medication and regular check-ups are an important part of keeping them comfortable. Our Priory Pet Club Complete Plan makes that care simpler and more cost-effective with all prescription checks and consults included, giving you peace of mind that any change or concern can be attended to straight away. It means you can stay on top of your pet’s treatment and wellbeing without worrying about unexpected costs, and always have our team on hand whenever you need advice.
In Summary
Arthritis isn’t just part of ageing. It is a manageable condition. If your pet is slowing down or “not quite themselves,” book an appointment to see one of our vets. Together, we can create a treatment plan to keep them comfortable, mobile, and happy through their golden years.