Pet Osteoarthritis

Veterinary Services

Our veterinary team takes every precaution so that your pet receives the highest-quality care at our hospital.

Appointment

Pet Osteoarthritis Care at
Tustin Legacy Animal Hospital

Our team of experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians are experts in helping animals manage osteoarthritis through advanced treatments and innovative solutions.

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that affects both cats and dogs. Common signs of osteoarthritis include limping or favoring one limb, stiffness after resting or sleeping, difficulty getting up stairs, and reluctance to exercise. Other common symptoms include behavior changes, such include hiding, aggression, and not wanting to socialize, as pets tend to hide their pain.

Luckily, there are treatments available to help both dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. For cats, a new injectable pain relief called Solensia is available. Adequan injections can be used in dogs, and both dogs and cats may benefit from acupuncture and laser therapy. These treatments can greatly improve pain management for pets suffering from osteoarthritis.

It’s important to be aware of the signs of osteoarthritis in both cats and dogs so that you can get them the help they need. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian for advice on the best osteoarthritis treatments for them.

It’s important to remember that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, so the key is to create an ongoing preventive care plan with your veterinarian to ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.

Adequan Injections in Dogs

Adequan® Canine is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) clinically proven to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. It works by targeting the tissues involved in osteoarthritis, helping to halt its progression and prevent further structural changes. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and joint supplements which may be used to manage the pain associated with osteoarthritis, Adequan Canine provides fast relief and helps treat the disease.

  • Adequan provides fast relief from OA pain and helps to prevent progression of structural changes.
  • It helps restore joint lubrication, relieve inflammation and renew healthy cartilage.
  • When used with other treatments such as weight control and pain management, it can keep dogs moving.
  • Take this questionnaire to find out if your dog might have OA:  Dog Osteoarthritis Checklist | Zoetis Petcare

Solensia Injections in Cats

Osteoarthritis (OA) can be a painful and debilitating condition for cats, but it doesn’t have to be. Solensia is an injection that can help relieve the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis in cats. By targeting inflammation at the source, Solensia helps your cat feel better and be more active. It can make a real difference in your cat’s quality of life, allowing them to do the things they love.

  • Solensia is a monthly injection administered at vet offices that helps control OA-related pain.
  • In clinical studies, cat owners reported improvements in their pet’s quality of life, comfort and well-being with the use of Solensia.
  • Solensia works like naturally made antibodies to reduce pain signals, controlling OA pain and allowing cats to move more freely.
  • Take this questionnaire to find out if your cat might have OA: Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist | Zoetis Petcare

Laser Therapy in Dogs & Cats

Veterinary laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is used to manage pain and inflammation in animals. Laser therapy works by stimulating electrons to activate cells and promote growth, proliferation, migration, and repair. It can be used to treat Osteoarthritis in both dogs and cats.

  • The main benefits of laser therapy include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved movement of joints.
  • Treatment sessions usually last 15-30 minutes, and frequency of treatments is based on the severity of the animal’s OA.
  • Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment when used under the proper settings and duration.

Acupuncture in Dogs & Cats

Acupuncture is a form of treatment using very thin needles inserted at pain points in the body. It is often used to treat dogs and cats with osteoarthritis, and can help reduce chronic pain and improve your pet’s mobility.

  • Pets may be initially nervous in a clinical setting, but usually relax after needle insertion.
  • Sessions last 20-30 minutes and typically involve 1-3 visits per week over several weeks, which are gradually tapered off as the animal’s condition improves.
  • The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, so it is best to go for multiple sessions.