Treatment of osteoarthritis and chronic pain
Long-term care of a dog or cat with painful joints: diagnosis on X-ray, an individual pain management plan (medication, nutrition, activity) and regular checks of how well it is working.
What it involves
Osteoarthritis is progressive destruction of the joint cartilage, thickening of the joint capsule and the formation of bony outgrowths. The result is chronic pain, stiffness and reduced movement. It cannot be reversed, but pain can be controlled effectively and progression slowed, provided that treatment is carried out systematically and not “from one crisis to the next”.
Treatment rests on several pillars at the same time: weight reduction (the most effective single element), pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication chosen to suit the species and the condition of the kidneys and liver, modern drugs targeted at joint pain (including monoclonal antibodies for dogs and cats), supplements with documented effect, and adapting activity and the home environment. We draw up the plan in line with the pain management standard STD-04.
An important part is the owner’s assessment of pain at home. We use simple questionnaires that let us check objectively whether the treatment is working.
When it is used
We start treatment after the diagnosis has been confirmed on X-ray and other causes of pain (for example a ruptured ligament or a bone tumour) have been ruled out. It applies to dogs and cats of any age, although most often to seniors and to animals that have had joint disease or orthopaedic procedures.
In cats osteoarthritis is very common after 10 years of age and is almost always underrecognised. It is worth checking for it at every senior examination.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- An older dog has difficulty getting up, getting into the car or climbing stairs.
- A dog is stiff in the morning and moves better once it has warmed up.
- A cat has stopped jumping up to high places, toilets beside a litter tray with high sides, or neglects grooming its coat.
- The animal has become irritable when its back or paws are touched.
- A dog is cutting walks short and stops and lies down more often.
- The animal has changed its sleeping position or changes its resting place more often.
- Anti-inflammatory medication given as needed helps, but the pain returns.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
The basis is an orthopaedic examination and digital X-rays of the painful joints, which confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes (a bone tumour, an avulsion fracture). Before starting long-term anti-inflammatory treatment we run a full blood count, blood biochemistry and a urine test to assess the kidneys and liver. This is a prerequisite for choosing medication safely, especially in cats.
In seniors we combine this with the senior health package, because coexisting conditions (kidneys, heart, thyroid) affect the choice of therapy.
How it proceeds
The first visit takes about 45 minutes: history-taking with a pain assessment questionnaire, an orthopaedic examination, X-rays (under brief sedation if needed) and blood tests. On this basis we draw up a written plan: a target body weight, the main drug and any additional drugs, supplements, rules for activity (regular, shorter walks instead of infrequent long ones) and changes at home: non-slip flooring, a ramp for the car, a low litter tray.
A check-up after 3–4 weeks assesses how well the drugs work and how well they are tolerated. After that, visits are every 3–6 months with periodic blood tests. We adjust the plan as the disease progresses, not only when the animal stops walking.
Aftercare
Treatment is long-term. Give the drugs regularly according to the schedule, not “when the pain is visible”. Keep a simple diary: how long the walk lasts, how the animal gets up, whether it jumps. Weigh the animal every month.
Call us if vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or black stools appear while the animal is taking anti-inflammatory drugs, or if the pain suddenly worsens. This calls for a change of plan, not for increasing the dose on your own.
Frequently asked questions
Can pain relief be given to a dog for years?
Yes, with regular checks of the kidneys and liver. We choose the lowest effective dose and, if needed, combine drugs with different mechanisms to limit side effects.
Is there a safe pain relief drug for a cat?
Yes. There are drugs and monoclonal antibodies licensed for cats, including cats with kidney disease. Never give a cat human or canine medication without consulting us.
Do joint supplements work?
Some have a documented, moderate effect and can be part of the plan, but they do not replace pain treatment or weight reduction.
Do you offer rehabilitation?
We do not provide physiotherapy on site. We give you a plan of exercises to do at home and, if needed, point you to a rehabilitation centre.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about treatment of osteoarthritis and chronic pain?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.