🔍 Understanding Arthritis in Pets

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), or osteoarthritis, is the leading cause of chronic pain in older dogs and cats. It results from long-term joint stress—due to injury, poor joint structure, or natural aging. While DJD can't be cured, **pain and mobility can be vastly improved** with the right mix of therapies. Welcome to your 2025 guide to safe and effective arthritis management.

⚖️ Why a Multimodal Approach Matters

No single medication can manage all facets of arthritis. Instead, we combine therapies—known as a multimodal plan—to reduce inflammation, protect joints, relieve pain, and rebuild strength. Your pet’s plan may include:

• ✅ Fast-acting pain relief (like NSAIDs or monoclonal antibodies)
• ✅ Cartilage-building supplements
• ✅ Targeted physical therapy and weight management
• ✅ Novel therapies like stem cells or platelet-rich plasma

🛑 Never give human medications to pets without veterinary approval—some can be deadly, especially in cats.

🧱 Category 1: Cartilage Support & Chondroprotectants

These supplements provide the raw materials your pet’s body needs to maintain and repair joint cartilage. They're slow-acting, often taking 4–6 weeks for noticeable benefits, but are well-tolerated and safe long term.

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate 🦴 – Promote cartilage matrix repair and may reduce inflammation. Ideal in early arthritis.
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) 💧 – A sulfur source that supports cushioning and acts as a mild anti-inflammatory.
• Creatine 🏋️ – Supports muscle strength and energy in older or weaker pets.

🔍 Look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal to ensure quality and safety.

💊 Category 2: Fast-Acting NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone of veterinary arthritis pain relief. They reduce inflammation within hours, though full mobility improvement may take a week.

💥 COX-PREFERENTIAL NSAIDs

• Carprofen (dogs)
• Meloxicam (dogs – caution in cats)
• Etodolac (dogs)

🛡️ COX-SELECTIVE NSAIDs (Coxibs)

• Firocoxib (dogs)
• Deracoxib (dogs)
• Robenacoxib (dogs & cats, short term use)

🧬 Piprant Class (EP4 Blocker)

Grapiprant (Galliprant) – A newer class targeting pain at the receptor level, not enzymes. Great for long-term safety.

NOTE: Use only one NSAID at a time, and never combine with corticosteroids.

🧬 Category 3: Novel Monoclonal Antibody Injections

🐶 Librela (bedinvetmab – for dogs)

A monthly injection that targets “nerve growth factor,” a protein involved in arthritis pain. Administered by your vet with few side effects.

🐱 Solensia (frunevetmab – for cats)

Long-term pain relief with monthly vet injections. 77% of cat owners report visible improvements. Safe and well-tolerated.

🧴 Category 4: Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

These support therapies reduce inflammation naturally and can complement medications or serve as alternatives for sensitive pets.

• Green-lipped mussel extract 🐚 – Mild pain relief via 5-lipoxygenase inhibition.
• Omega-3 fatty acids 🐟 – Help regulate inflammation; use fish oils over flaxseed or cod liver oil.
• Dried milk proteins 🥛 – Rapid-acting biochemicals with anti-inflammatory effects.
• Polyphenols: Turmeric, grape seed, green tea 🍇 – Potent antioxidants with COX-suppressing effects.
• ASU (avocado/soy unsaponifiables) 🥑 – Protect cartilage from inflammatory breakdown.
• Cannabinoids 🌿 – Provide pain relief and immune modulation; use only vet-approved hemp formulations.

🩹 Category 5: Injectable Therapies

Adequan®

A polysulfated glycosaminoglycan that acts as both joint support and anti-inflammatory. Given in a series of vet-administered injections.

Cartrophen Vet®

Available outside the U.S. (Canada, UK, Australia). Protects cartilage and improves joint fluid integrity.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative therapies harvested from your pet's own blood or fat. Show promise but require specialized equipment and skill.

💤 Category 6: Adjunct Pain Relief (Non-NSAID)

Sometimes your pet needs pain relief that doesn’t fight inflammation. These drugs are used alongside other treatments to increase comfort:

• Gabapentin 🧠 – Great for nerve pain and anxiety; may cause drowsiness.
• Tramadol (cats only) – Narcotic + anxiety relief; bitter-tasting and difficult to dose.
• Amantadine 🔄 – Ideal for “wind-up” pain caused by chronic, unrelieved inflammation.

🧪 Category 7: Specialized & Experimental Options

• Synovetin OA™ – A radioactive joint injection therapy for canine elbow arthritis, performed yearly.
• Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections – Used with caution; may offer short-term relief.

🏃 Lifestyle: Don't Forget Exercise & Weight Loss

Medications alone aren’t enough. Joint pain improves with consistent movement and healthy weight:

• 💪 Physical therapy – Like hydrotherapy or controlled walking.
• ⚖️ Weight loss – Even a 10% drop in weight can greatly reduce joint strain.
• 🧠 Enrichment – Keep pets mentally stimulated during reduced mobility.

📊 Summary Table: Arthritis Treatment Options

🔧 Ask A Vet Can Help

Arthritis care is a lifelong journey. At Ask A Vet, we help you build the best multimodal plan—tailored to your pet's lifestyle and health. From supplement support to medication coaching, our tele-vet services make expert guidance accessible anytime. 🐾💬

🐾 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Every arthritic pet deserves to move with less pain and more joy. There are countless effective options available—medications, supplements, therapies, and injections. Work with your vet to craft a plan and commit to ongoing care. 🐕🐈❤️