Integrated Approach To Arthritis In Pets

Helping pets stay comfortable, mobile, and enjoying life through a personalised, multi-therapy approach to arthritis care.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a progressive and painful condition that occurs when the cartilage within a joint breaks down faster than the body can repair it. Cartilage acts as a protective cushion between bones. When it wears away, joints become inflamed, stiff and painful, leading to reduced mobility and a decline in quality of life.

Integrated, multimodal approach

Arthritis is very common in both dogs and cats, particularly as they age. The good news is that modern veterinary medicine offers many safe and effective treatment options. At Elgar Road Vet, we use an integrated, multimodal approach — combining therapies to maximise comfort while minimising side effects.

Causes Of Arthritis & Joint Problems

Symptoms Your Pet May Show

Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.

Treatments Available For Arthritis

In the past, arthritis management relied heavily on anti-inflammatory medications alone. Today, we understand that the best results come from combining multiple therapies tailored to each individual pet.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

These medications act to reduce the amount of inflammation in the joint and therefore reduce the pain. There are two main types:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These are commonly prescribed and work by reducing joint inflammation and pain. They are usually given once daily as a tablet or liquid.
Steroids (Cortisone) Less commonly used long term, but may be appropriate in certain cases such as spinal arthritis.

While effective, these medications can have side effects including gastrointestinal upset or effects on kidney and liver function. For this reason, monitoring and regular health checks are important.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

A newer and very exciting advancement in arthritis care is monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs and cats. This monthly injection works by targeting and blocking Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key protein involved in transmitting arthritis pain. It works similarly to the pet’s own immune system and:

Is given once monthly under the skin
Is safe to use alongside many other medications
Is broken down naturally by the body
Often provides significant improvement in mobility and comfort

Many pets show noticeable improvement within days to weeks.

Disease Modifying & Joint Support Therapies

These therapies aim not only to reduce pain but also to protect cartilage and support joint health.

Injectable Joint Therapies

Some medications are given as a series of injections (often 4 injections 5–7 days apart), followed by booster doses every few months.

Oral Joint Supplements

Modern joint supplements can play an important supportive role:

Antinol®
A highly concentrated marine lipid extract derived from green-lipped mussels. It contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that support joint mobility and comfort.
4CYTE™
Contains Epiitalis®, a plant extract that supports cartilage repair and joint health. It is available in daily gel or granule form and is generally well tolerated.

Other supplements may include combinations of:

Glucosamine (cartilage building block)
Chondroitin (protects cartilage from breakdown)
Omega-3 fatty acids (natural anti-inflammatory)

We can guide you on evidence-based supplement choices appropriate for your pet.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is increasingly being used as an adjunct therapy in managing chronic pain and inflammation. Some pets experience improved comfort and reduced anxiety associated with pain. If considering CBD oil, it is essential to:

Use veterinary-recommended products
Ensure correct dosing

We are happy to advise whether CBD may be suitable for your pet.

Pain Relief Medications

In addition to anti-inflammatories, other medications (such as tramadol and neuropathic pain modulators) may be used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Treatment is always tailored to your pet’s specific needs and medical history.

Weight Reduction & Diet

Weight management is one of the most powerful ways to improve arthritis symptoms. Even modest weight loss significantly reduces joint strain and pain. Diet assists in two key ways:

Calorie Control – Prescription weight-loss diets help achieve and maintain ideal body weight.
Joint Support Diets – Specially formulated diets for arthritis contain enhanced omega fatty acids and joint-support nutrients and are balanced for long-term feeding.

Reaching an ideal weight often allows reduction in medication requirements.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture in dogs is a therapeutic technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points where nerve bundles and blood vessels converge releasing endorphins and cortisol, while also improving local blood circulation to accelerate healing. Most dogs tolerate the hair-thin needles well, often becoming relaxed or sleepy during sessions that typically last 10 to 30 minutes.

Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy

Physiotherapy
Qualified animal physiotherapists can design targeted strengthening exercises to improve muscle support around joints. Benefits include:

Improved mobility
Reduced pain
Better joint stability

Massage techniques can also improve circulation and reduce post-exercise soreness.

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill or controlled swimming) is particularly beneficial because it:

Builds muscle without excessive joint strain
Improves range of motion
Assists with weight loss
Enhances overall mobility

We can refer you to trusted local hydrotherapy providers as part of your pet’s rehabilitation plan.

A Multimodal, Individualised Plan

No two pets experience arthritis in the same way. Our goal is to create a personalised treatment plan that may include:

Pain relief medication
Monoclonal antibody therapy
Joint supplements such as Antinol or 4CYTE
CBD (where appropriate)
Weight management
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
Environmental modifications at home

Elgar Road Veterinary

Book a consultation

With early diagnosis and an integrated approach, many arthritic pets can remain active, comfortable and happy for years to come.If you notice subtle changes in your pet’s mobility or behaviour, please book a consultation — early treatment can make all the difference.