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Degenerative Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis is chronic joint inflammation and cartilage deterioration. It is one of the most common conditions in aging dogs and cats, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Key Facts
- Affects up to 90% of cats over 12 years and most senior dogs
- Causes: wear and tear, previous injury, joint instability, obesity, genetics
- Signs in dogs: limping, stiffness after rest, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump/climb
- Signs in cats: decreased jumping, reduced grooming, hiding, behavioral changes
- Cats often hide pain; owners may attribute signs to "just getting old"
- Treatment: multimodal approach -- NSAIDs, gabapentin, weight management, joint supplements, physical therapy
- Solensia (frunevetmab): monthly injection specifically for cats; targets nerve growth factor
- Weight management is the single most impactful intervention
- Adequan (PSGAG injections) helps protect cartilage
- Joint supplements: glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids
- Species: dogs and cats