Arthritis Treatment for Dogs and Cats in Monona and Madison
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in pets, and cold Wisconsin winters can make stiff joints feel even worse. At Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, we help dogs and cats with arthritis move more comfortably using a combination of pain management, laser therapy, weight control, and home care tailored to each pet.
What Is Arthritis in Pets?
Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a progressive condition in which the protective cartilage in a joint wears down, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It most often affects the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spine. While arthritis is common in senior pets, it can also develop in younger animals after an injury, a ligament tear, or because of joint conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. Extra body weight places additional stress on joints and speeds up the disease.
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
Pets rarely cry out from joint pain, so the signs can be subtle. Watch for:
- Stiffness when getting up, especially after rest or on cold mornings
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Hesitation to jump into the car, climb stairs, or get on furniture
- Slower walks or less interest in play
- Licking or chewing at a joint
- Irritability when touched
Cats often hide arthritis well. A cat who no longer jumps onto counters, misses the litter box, or stops grooming their back end may be living with joint pain. Sudden lameness in an active dog can also be caused by Lyme disease, so any new limp deserves an exam.
How We Diagnose Arthritis
During a sick pet visit or wellness exam, your veterinarian evaluates your pet’s gait, joint range of motion, and muscle mass, and checks for swelling or discomfort. X-rays help confirm arthritis and show how advanced it is. Before starting long-term pain medications, we recommend bloodwork through our laboratory testing to make sure the liver and kidneys can handle them safely.
Arthritis Treatment Options
The best results come from a multimodal plan that combines several approaches:
- Pain relief: veterinary anti-inflammatories and other pain medications from our pharmacy
- Monthly injections: Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats, which target arthritis pain with a once-a-month injection
- Laser therapy: a drug-free, Fear Free friendly treatment that reduces inflammation and pain
- Weight management: even modest weight loss can noticeably improve mobility
- Joint supplements and diets: omega-3 fatty acids and joint support formulas, available through our online store
- Surgery: for certain joint injuries or ligament tears, surgery or a specialist referral may be recommended
Look for manufacturer rebates on Librela, Solensia, and Rimadyl in our current promotions.
Making Home More Comfortable
Simple changes go a long way. Add rugs or runners on slippery floors, provide a supportive orthopedic bed, use ramps or steps for cars and furniture, and keep walks shorter but more frequent. For cats, a litter box with a low entry and easy-to-reach resting spots help reduce strain. As arthritis progresses, our team will continue adjusting your pet’s plan and can help with quality of life discussions through our end of life services when the time comes. Learn about other conditions we treat on our conditions page.
Pet Arthritis FAQs
What are the first signs of arthritis in dogs?
Early signs include stiffness after rest, slowing down on walks, hesitation on stairs or jumping, and occasional limping, especially on cold mornings.
How can I tell if my cat has arthritis?
Cats with arthritis often stop jumping onto high surfaces, groom less, sleep more, or have accidents outside the litter box because getting in is uncomfortable.
Can arthritis in pets be cured?
Arthritis cannot be cured, but with the right combination of pain management, laser therapy, weight control, and home changes, most pets can stay comfortable and active.
Is laser therapy effective for arthritis?
Many pets respond well to laser therapy, which helps reduce inflammation and pain without medication. It is often combined with other treatments for the best results.
What are Librela and Solensia?
Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats are monthly injections that target a key protein involved in arthritis pain. Your veterinarian can tell you whether your pet is a good candidate.
Can I give my dog human pain medication for arthritis?
No. Many human pain relievers, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, can be toxic to pets. Always use medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Does weight loss help pets with arthritis?
Yes. Reducing extra weight lowers stress on the joints and is one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and mobility in arthritic pets.
Help Your Pet Move Comfortably Again
If your dog or cat is slowing down, it may be more than age. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 to schedule an arthritis evaluation in Monona and Madison.