Arthritis is a very common problem for both dogs and cats. All joints have articular artilge covering the ends of the bones. This material is smooth and frictionless like teflon on the frying pan. It should last the life of the patient. Wear and tear in joints from injury or underlying skeletal problems (eg hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, torn cruciate ligament, OCD) can lead to loss of cartilage and exposure of the underlying bone. Cartilage does not have a nerve supply whereas bone does. When a joint has no cartilage and there is bone-on-bone contact (osteoarthritis), the patient feels pain and develops a limp. Vets and doctors cannot resurface joints that have lost full-thickness cartilage. Medications such as anti-inflammatories (carprofen, meloxicam, aspirin) and cartilage protection drugs (cartrophen injections) as well as oral dietary supplements (shark cartilage, fish oils) can all help in reducing the pain associated with sore joints. Regular low-impact exercise and weight control also reduce the loading and the discomfort.

If your pet has long-term disability and has been on medications that have not satisfactorily resolved the lameness, surgery is an option to consider. Your family vet can refer you to a specialist surgeon who can offer advanced procedures such as keyhole surgery, joint reconstructions, joint replacements and fusion procedures. Click here to download the pdf explaining Knee Replacement.