health
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Vastly underdiagnosed, especially in cats
Radiographic surveys of cats over age 10 find degenerative joint changes in well over half, far more than the 10–20% historically diagnosed clinically. Cats hide pain by reducing activity rather than by limping; the signs are often dismissed as 'just getting old'.
- Reluctance to jump up or down from previous heights.
- Hesitation at stairs.
- Litter box accidents, climbing in and out is the actual painful task.
- Reduced grooming, particularly over the lower back and hindquarters.
- Withdrawal, irritability when handled.
Multimodal management is the standard
- Weight management, the single highest-impact intervention. Each pound matters; a body condition score of 5/9 is the target.
- Pharmaceuticals, NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, robenacoxib) in dogs; meloxicam (low dose, jurisdiction-dependent) in cats; gabapentin for adjunctive pain; the newer anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (frunevetmab in cats, bedinvetmab in dogs) for chronic OA pain.
- Nutraceuticals, EPA/DHA at therapeutic doses; glucosamine/chondroitin (modest evidence).
- Therapy and rehab, controlled low-impact exercise (leash walking, swimming, underwater treadmill), physical therapy, acupuncture.
- Environmental, ramps to favored surfaces, low-sided litter boxes, non-slip rugs over hardwood, orthopedic bedding.
What to avoid
Never give human NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen) to dogs or cats, they cause severe GI ulceration, acute kidney injury, and in cats fatal toxicity. Even one tablet can be lethal in a cat. If a vet prescribes an NSAID, follow the dosing exactly and report any vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss immediately.
Why it matters
Osteoarthritis is treatable, not curable, and the gap between best practice and what most affected animals actually receive is large. Weight loss alone, in an overweight dog, often makes a bigger functional difference than the most expensive supplement. The bar for treatment is 'is this animal in pain', not 'is this animal limping'.
Frequently asked questions
- Are joint supplements as good as NSAIDs for OA?
- No. EPA/DHA and glucosamine are useful adjuncts but do not match NSAIDs or anti-NGF antibodies for moderate-to-severe pain. They have a role; they are not a substitute when the animal is actively painful.
- Can my dog still exercise with OA?
- Yes, controlled, low-impact, consistent exercise is therapeutic. Avoid weekend-warrior patterns (sedentary all week, intense hike on Saturday). Steady daily walking and swimming beat sporadic intensity.