Signs of Arthritis in Pets
The most common signs of arthritis in pets include joint pain accompanied by joint swelling, stiffness after inactivity or in the morning, changes in mobility (particularly gait, jumping ability, and difficulty using stairs), and decreased activity levels.
Clinical Presentation of Arthritis in Pets
Pain and Mobility Changes
- Reluctance to move or exercise
- Limping or lameness (may be intermittent)
- Difficulty rising from rest
- Reduced ability to jump (especially noticeable in cats)
- Trouble climbing stairs or getting into vehicles
- Abnormal gait or walking pattern
- Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning 1
Joint-Specific Signs
- Joint swelling
- Warmth over affected joints
- Crepitus (crackling sound) when joints move
- Pain when joints are touched or manipulated
- Regional lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes near affected joints) 2
Behavioral Changes
- Decreased activity level
- Lethargy or reduced playfulness
- Irritability when handled or approached
- Changes in grooming habits (particularly in cats)
- Reluctance to be petted in certain areas
- Decreased social interaction or exploration 1
Daily Habit Changes
- Changes in sleeping locations (seeking softer surfaces)
- Reluctance to use litter boxes with high sides (cats)
- Decreased self-maintenance behaviors
- Altered posture when sitting or lying down
- Decreased appetite or weight changes 1, 3
Types of Arthritis in Pets
Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
- Most common form in pets, especially in older animals
- Usually causes gradual changes in behavior and lifestyle
- May not cause severe lameness, particularly in cats
- Often affects multiple joints 3
Inflammatory Arthritis
- Less common than osteoarthritis
- Associated with debilitating lameness
- May have infectious or immune-mediated causes
- In cats, more likely to be infectious in origin
- Often presents with systemic signs like fever, lethargy, and anorexia 3
Diagnostic Considerations
High-Risk Factors
- Age over 7 years
- Large breed dogs (weight over 10kg)
- History of joint injury
- Female pets (in some studies)
- Previous cruciate ligament rupture or patellar luxation 4
Common Locations
- In dogs: hips, elbows, knees (stifle joints)
- In cats: elbows, hips, and spine
- Can affect any synovial joint 4
Important Considerations
Species Differences
- Cats often mask pain and may show more subtle signs than dogs
- Cats typically show changes in behavior and lifestyle rather than obvious lameness
- Dogs may show more obvious lameness and pain behaviors 1
Common Pitfalls in Diagnosis
- Mistaking arthritis signs for "normal aging"
- Overlooking subtle behavioral changes, especially in cats
- Failing to recognize that pets may hide pain
- Not considering arthritis in younger animals with predisposing conditions
- Attributing mobility changes to other conditions without proper evaluation 3, 1
Treatment Monitoring
- Owner observations of mobility, activity level, and behavior are crucial for monitoring treatment effectiveness
- Changes in jumping ability, stair use, and general activity are particularly useful indicators 1
Early recognition of arthritis signs is essential to prevent progressive joint damage and maintain quality of life. If you notice these signs in your pet, veterinary evaluation is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.