Because our pets cannot speak, osteoarthritis is often a “silent” disease. Many pet owners misinterpret early joint degradation as simply slowing down due to old age.
How Osteoarthritis Manifests in Dogs
• Stiffness when rising.
• Reluctance to leap or climb.
• Lagging behind on walks.
• Limping or bunny-hopping gait.
• Irritability when touched near joints.
How Osteoarthritis Manifests in Cats
• Reduced vertical jumping.
• Neglected grooming or matting near the tail.
• Overgrown claws.
• Withdrawing to low hiding spots.
• House-soiling accidents near the litter box.
The Next Critical Step: The Vet Check
If your pet is displaying even one of these indicators, they are likely dealing with daily discomfort. At Best Care Vets Beaconsfield, we examine joints using Fear-Free handling and our digital X-ray suite to build a customized management plan.
Don’t let them suffer in silence. Call our friendly reception team at (03) 9799 8000.
