Mobility
Arthritis and Mobility Problems
Osteoarthritis is common, under-diagnosed and very treatable — and animals rarely limp until it is advanced.
General information
Osteoarthritis affects a large share of older dogs and, studies using radiographs suggest, most cats over twelve — yet feline arthritis is diagnosed far less often because cats show it through behaviour rather than limping.
Symptoms
In cats especially, watch for behaviour changes rather than lameness.
- Hesitating before jumping, or jumping onto lower surfaces than before
- Stiffness after rest that eases with movement
- Reduced grooming, or over-grooming a specific joint
- Irritability when touched or lifted
- Toileting outside the tray because entering it hurts
- Reluctance on stairs or in the car
Treatment approaches
Multimodal management works best: weight optimisation, appropriate pain relief prescribed by a vet, controlled consistent exercise, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, joint supplements with reasonable evidence, and environmental adaptation.
Never give human painkillers. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are dangerous, and paracetamol is lethal to cats.
Environmental changes that help immediately
Non-slip runners on hard floors, ramps to favourite furniture, a litter tray with one low side, raised food bowls, soft supportive bedding in a warm draught-free spot, and shorter more frequent walks.