Signs of joint pain in pets

Many pets experience some form of joint pain during their life. Sometimes it can be hard to detect until the signs are more obvious and the cause has progressed. Joint pain can be quite debilitating and have a significant impact on your pet’s quality of life. All pet’s, including dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets and reptiles can be affected by joint pain at any stage of their life.

Common signs of joint pain in pets

There are a number of signs that can indicate your pet is suffering from joint pain.

• Reduced activity

• Reluctance to walk, jump, climb or play

• Difficulty getting up or lying down

• Limping and stiffness

• Licking, chewing or biting at joints

• Yelping when touched

• Irritability

If you notice any of these behaviours or signs in your pet, get in touch with us on 03 8784 4444 to have your pet examined by one of our vets.

What causes joint pain in pets

There are a number of joint conditions that cause joint pain in pets. These can be developmental (present at birth) or they may be a result of injury to the joint. They can be degenerative (wear down over time) or due to abnormal development, immune related conditions, infections or cancers. Here are five common joint conditions in pets.

Arthritis - also known as osteoarthritis is a common health condition in middle aged to senior dogs and cats that can cause much pain, discomfort and stiffness in your pet. With arthritis, the cartilage within the joint that normally protects and cushions bones deteriorates and the joint fluid loses its lubricating properties. As a result, the bone surfaces rub together and movement becomes less smooth, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Arthritis generally occurs as a result of ageing, obesity, injury, infection or genetic makeup.

Elbow or hip dysplasia - is categorised as a developmental disorder in which the ball and socket joints in the elbow or hip develop abnormally, resulting in insufficient coverage. This leads to the joint becoming loose and unstable. The rubbing and grinding of the joints can cause pain, deterioration, arthritis and loss of function. The biggest factor is genetics. Some dogs show signs of elbow or hip dysplasia as young as one year. Others develop it in conjunction with arthritis as they age. Weight gain and age can make mobility more painful resulting in a concern that requires veterinary support.

Cruciate ligament injury - refers to the tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament, one of two fibrous bands that join the bones above (femur) and below (tibia) the knee joint. Tearing may be partial or complete. This painful injury can cause your dog to yelp out in pain and suddenly start limping on one of its back legs. A cruciate ligament injury can occur in a healthy athletic dog, caused by twisting the knee joint. In older, larger or overweight dogs the cruciate ligament can progressively weaken or become stretched over time as a result of repeated trauma or arthritic disease. This can lead to partial tears and with ongoing use of the joint, the condition can worsen until a complete rupture occurs. Most dogs will require surgery at some point to correct their painful injury.

Luxating patella - occurs when the patella (kneecap), which normally sits in the groove of the femur (thigh bone), shifts out of position, resulting in a dislocation. It is categorised as a developmental disorder, caused by the abnormal development of the patella tendon, which connects the patella to the tibia (shin bone). Often a dog with a luxating patella will intermittently skip or run on three legs, then move back onto all four legs once everything realigns. Whilst small breeds are most prone to this disorder, it can affect all breeds. Sometimes a luxating patella can be treated with medication and physical therapy, however surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe and causing pain.   

Obesity - being overweight or obese increases the risk of joint damage due to the pressure placed on the joints and ongoing weakening of this area. This can lead to arthritis and ongoing pain. If your dog is overweight, speak to one of our vets about a tailored weight loss program.   

Treatments for joint pain in pets

There are a number of treatment options for pets suffering with joint conditions and pain. Your vet will advise the appropriate treatment plan based on the specific root cause and its severity. This can include anti-inflammatory pain relief medications and supplements, special diets, exercise, physical therapy and surgical procedures.