Watching your dog struggle to climb stairs or your cat hesitate before jumping onto their favorite perch can be heartbreaking signs that arthritis is affecting their daily comfort and mobility. At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer understand how painful it is to see your beloved companion’s activity level decline due to joint pain and stiffness that comes with aging or injury.
Our comprehensive veterinary services include effective arthritis treatment plans tailored specifically for dogs and cats in Central Oregon. We combine proven pain management techniques with lifestyle modifications and ongoing support to help your pet regain comfort, improve mobility, and continue enjoying their favorite activities despite the challenges of arthritis.
Understanding Pet Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions of dogs and cats, causing inflammation in joints that leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. This progressive condition most commonly develops as pets age, though younger animals can suffer from arthritis following:
- Injuries
- Genetic predisposition
- Developmental issues affecting joint formation and stability
Dogs typically show arthritis symptoms in weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders, while cats often experience spinal arthritis or joint pain in their legs. The condition develops gradually, making it easy to miss early signs as pets naturally adapt their behavior to accommodate increasing discomfort.
Central Oregon’s active lifestyle means many pets spend their younger years hiking, swimming, and playing outdoors, which can contribute to joint wear over time. Additionally, Bend’s colder winter temperatures often worsen arthritis symptoms, making professional treatment essential for maintaining your pet’s quality of life year-round.
Risk factors include:
- Age
- Breed predisposition
- Previous injuries
- Obesity
- Genetic factors
Large breed dogs face higher arthritis risks due to their size and growth patterns, while certain cat breeds show increased susceptibility to joint problems that develop into arthritis later in life.
Recognizing Arthritis Symptoms in Your Pet
Early detection of arthritis symptoms allows for more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes for your pet. Many pet parents initially attribute changes in behavior to normal aging, but these subtle shifts often indicate developing joint pain that responds well to appropriate intervention.
Symptoms in Dogs
Dogs with arthritis may show reluctance to go on walks, difficulty rising from lying positions, stiffness after rest, limping or favoring certain legs, decreased playfulness, and hesitation before jumping into cars or onto furniture. Some dogs become less social or show irritability when touched in painful areas.
Symptoms in Cats
Cats hide arthritis pain more effectively than dogs, making recognition more challenging. Watch for reduced jumping ability, using stairs instead of leaping onto counters, changes in litter box habits due to difficulty climbing in, decreased grooming leading to matted fur, and sleeping in different locations that require less climbing or jumping.
Behavioral changes such as increased sleeping, reluctance to play, decreased appetite, and withdrawal from family activities can all indicate arthritis discomfort. Weather changes often worsen symptoms, with many pets showing increased stiffness during Bend’s cold winter months.
Comprehensive Arthritis Treatment Options For Your Pet
Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer develop individualized arthritis treatment plans based on your pet’s specific condition, severity, lifestyle, and overall health status. Modern veterinary medicine offers numerous options for managing arthritis pain and slowing disease progression effectively.
Pain Management Medications
Pain management medications form the foundation of most arthritis treatment plans. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce both pain and inflammation, while other pain medications provide additional relief for pets with severe discomfort. We carefully monitor pets on long-term medications through regular blood work to ensure safety.
Injectable Joint Supplements
Injectable joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid help protect existing cartilage and may slow arthritis progression. These treatments can be combined with oral supplements and special diets formulated to support joint health and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy techniques adapted for pets include controlled exercise programs, swimming therapy where available, massage, and range-of-motion exercises that maintain joint flexibility. Weight management plays a crucial role in arthritis treatment, as excess weight places additional stress on already painful joints.
Environmental Modifications
Environmental modifications make daily life easier for arthritic pets. Orthopedic beds provide joint support during rest, ramps help pets access favorite spots without jumping, raised food bowls reduce neck strain, and non-slip rugs prevent dangerous falls on smooth surfaces.
Advanced Treatment and Management Of Your Pet’s Arthritis
For pets with severe arthritis or those not responding adequately to conventional treatment, additional options can provide significant improvement.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing in affected joints, while acupuncture offers pain relief for some pets through natural endorphin release.
Injectable Medications
Injectable medications such as adequan help protect joint cartilage and can be particularly effective for dogs with hip or elbow arthritis. These treatments require a series of injections but often provide longer-lasting relief than daily oral medications alone.
Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments
Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma treatments represent cutting-edge options for severely affected pets. While not appropriate for every case, these regenerative therapies can provide remarkable improvement in joint function and comfort for carefully selected candidates.
Regular Monitoring
Regular monitoring allows treatment plan adjustments as your pet’s condition changes over time. Some pets require medication increases during flare-ups, while others benefit from seasonal adjustments to accommodate weather-related symptom changes common in Central Oregon’s climate.
Living Well with Arthritis For Your Pet
Arthritis doesn’t have to end your pet’s enjoyment of life or their ability to participate in family activities. With proper treatment and management, many arthritic pets continue hiking Bend’s beautiful trails, playing with toys, and engaging actively with their families for years after diagnosis.
Consistent medication administration ensures steady pain control and prevents breakthrough discomfort. Missed doses can lead to pain flare-ups that take time to resolve, making daily medication compliance essential for optimal results.
Regular gentle exercise maintains joint mobility and muscle strength while preventing stiffness from inactivity. Short, frequent walks work better than occasional long outings, and swimming provides excellent low-impact exercise when available through local facilities.
Home modifications continue throughout treatment as your pet’s needs change. Adding more non-slip surfaces, providing additional comfortable resting areas, and adjusting exercise routines help maintain quality of life as arthritis progresses slowly over time.
Pawtown Veterinary Care's Arthritis Management
Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer bring years of experience treating arthritis in dogs and cats throughout Central Oregon. Our locally-owned practice provides the personalized attention and ongoing support your pet needs to manage arthritis successfully while maintaining their comfort and mobility.
We understand that arthritis treatment requires long-term commitment and ongoing adjustments to keep your pet comfortable. Our hometown approach means we take time to explain treatment options, answer your questions, and work within your budget using Care Credit and Scratch Pay financing options to ensure your pet receives needed care. Contact our experienced team to schedule an arthritis evaluation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that helps your beloved companion live comfortably with improved mobility and reduced pain.