Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and changes in how a pet moves.

Slowing down is a clinical sign. It should not automatically be dismissed as 'just aging.' A pet who walks less, hesitates on stairs, stops jumping, changes posture, or takes longer to get up may be telling us that movement has become uncomfortable.

Arthritis care is rarely about one treatment. The best outcomes usually come from balancing movement, body condition, home support, supplements, medications, and rehabilitation over time.

What might you notice at home?

Slowing down or tiring sooner
Difficulty rising
Hesitation with stairs or jumping
Shorter or stiffer steps
Changes in posture or gait
Less interest in play or walks

What Do We Do?

Our plan is individualized to the joints involved, the pet's lifestyle, and the rest of the body.

Comfort-focused therapeutic exercise
Strength and range-of-motion work
Weight and body-condition management
Home and traction modifications
Manual therapy and appropriate rehabilitation modalities
Periodic reassessment and rebalancing of supplements and medications to optimize outcomes while reducing unnecessary metabolic stress on the body

Dr. Amber's Tip

If your pet is slowing down, ask why. Aging happens, but loss of comfortable movement deserves attention.

Hope for Your Pet

Arthritis cannot always be removed, but its impact can be managed. The goal is more comfortable movement, better strength, and a plan that changes as your pet changes.