{"id":44136,"date":"2025-11-28T09:20:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/nos-conseils\/larthrose-chez-le-chien-et-le-chat\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T14:24:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:24:18","slug":"osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"nos-conseils","link":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/en\/our-advice\/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative disease resulting from\u00a0wear and tear of joint cartilage<\/strong>\u00a0which can affect several body parts: hips, knees, shoulders, elbows\u2026<\/p>\n

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\"Bone<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Background<\/h2>\n

The cartilage<\/strong>\u00a0which surrounds bones at the joints\u00a0deteriorates naturally with age<\/strong>, in a progressive and irreversible manner (primary osteoarthritis). Certain factors can accelerate the process (secondary osteoarthritis):<\/p>\n

\u2022 <\/b>birth defects<\/strong>\u00a0causing joint malfunction such as hip\u00a0dysplasia<\/strong>\u00a0in large dogs or kneecap\u00a0dislocation<\/strong>\u00a0in small dog breeds
\n\u2022 <\/b>trauma
\n<\/strong>\u2022 <\/b>excess weight<\/strong>\u00a0increases the risk and the aging of joints<\/p>\n

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What are the signs?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0reduction in activity<\/strong>\u00a0can be observed: dogs might have difficulties getting up from their basket, may lack enthusiasm for a walk\u2026 Then,\u00a0stiffness<\/strong>\u00a0appears (difficulties in lifting their leg to urinate, for example) along with\u00a0muscle loss, limping and yelping in pain<\/strong>\u00a0upon certain movements. In the case of an acute osteoarthritis outbreak (linked to temperature variation\/humidity, intense physical exertion\u2026), dogs may lick their joints, show aggressiveness (a demonstration of pain) and a complete immobility of the joint (ankylosis) may even occur.<\/p>\n

Although all breeds may be affected by osteoarthritis, large dogs are often predisposed due to congenital defects of the hips or elbows: Labrador, Rottweiler, German Shepherd\u2026
\nCats will spend more time lying down, will have difficulties in self-grooming or jumping on furniture or cat tree. Certain breeds are also predisposed to joint defects (Maine Coon and Abyssinian).<\/p>\n

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What can be done?<\/h2>\n

Prevention<\/h3>\n

Early diagnosis is essential. For older animals, an\u00a0annual geriatric check-up<\/strong>\u00a0by your vet is advised from:<\/p>\n

\u2022 <\/b>10-11 years for small cats and dogs
\n\u2022 <\/b>9 years for medium-sized dogs
\n\u2022 <\/b>7 years for large dogs<\/p>\n

Joint defects should be monitored among predisposed breeds.<\/p>\n

Nutrition, exercise<\/h3>\n

The use of\u00a0chondroprotective agents<\/strong>, in the form of food supplements or integrated in the food, gives good long-term results to limit cartilage deterioration.<\/p>\n

In any case, the\u00a0weight control<\/strong>\u00a0of the animal is crucial.<\/p>\n

Regular yet moderate physical activities<\/strong>\u00a0are recommended.<\/p>\n

Physiotherapy<\/h3>\n

Hydrotherapy<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0laser<\/strong>\u00a0therapy are increasingly used but require regular sessions.<\/p>\n

Massage<\/strong>\u00a0can provide pain relief.<\/p>\n

Osteopathy<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0electrotherapy<\/strong>\u00a0are complementary treatments which can help bring relief to certain animals.<\/p>\n

Medical\/surgical treatment<\/h3>\n

Depending upon the stage of osteoarthritis, your vet may prescribe a suitable\u00a0anti-inflammatory treatment<\/strong>\u00a0(acute outbreak).
\nIn the most severe cases,\u00a0surgery<\/strong>\u00a0may be necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dr Vanessa Marmolejo, veterinarian<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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