What breeds are affected?

Arthritis can affect any breed or age of dog or cat. It can occur as pets become older or when there has been a past injury. Underlying problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia also cause arthritis. It also develops with natural wear and tear on the joints with age.

Arthritis is a common problem in both dogs and cats. In some studies, up to 60% of dogs and 90% cats were found to have visible arthritis when X-rayed1.  

According to PetSure data, Arthritis is most prevalent in the following breeds:

BreedPrevalence
Collie5.62%
Dogue De Bordeaux4.05%
Alaskan Malamute4.05%
Golden Retriever3.88%
Shetland Sheepdog3.86%
Labrador3.83%
Great Dane3.73%
Labrador Retriever3.49%
Bernese Mountain Dog3.42%
Samoyed3.36%

PetSure data from last 12 months to 8 May 2020.

Prevalence = Total number of unique claiming pets / total number of insured pets across 12-month period. Excludes breeds with less than 500 active pet insurance policies.

Signs of Arthritis

Arthritis in dogs may present as lameness or limping on an affected limb/s. Stiffness may also occur on rising. Some dogs may become stiff or lame after exercise. Our feline friends can be harder to read. Some cats may become irritable (or more irritable in some cases!), have issues going to the toilet, or become generally less active. Reluctance to jump or head up and down stairs may be a sign your dog or cat is suffering from arthritis. In some cases, you may be able to see swelling on your pet’s legs which may be arthritis.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Your Veterinarian may diagnose arthritis through history taking, examination and palpation (feeling) your pets’ joints for signs of crepitus (crackling feeling or sound in the joints). Radiographs (X-rays) and other imaging such as CT (or CAT scan) may also be recommended by your Veterinarian to diagnose arthritis.

Managing Arthritis

Delaying the onset and severity of arthritis in pets is an important goal. Keeping pets fit with regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass and prevent obesity. Excess weight puts extra strain on bones and joints and exacerbates arthritis.  

Unfortunately, arthritis is not curable and as anyone with arthritis would attest, it is a painful disease. Pain management is very important in keeping arthritic pets happy. Always consult your vet who will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your best friend.

Activity is still important in pets with arthritis. Choose low-impact exercise, such as swimming for dogs. As arthritis is such a common condition, your vet will have considerable experience in managing arthritis and will be able to formulate a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan for your pet.  There may even be certain situations where your vet may recommend surgery, such as for cruciate ligament disease, hip or elbow dysplasia.

As arthritis needs long term management, regular vet check-ups are necessary. Your vet will help you and your pet find a plan to manage your pet’s arthritis. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from arthritis, or would like to discuss arthritis further, reach out to your vet for advice.

Is Arthritis covered by pet insurance?

Arthritis is generally covered by comprehensive accidental injury and illness pet insurance policies administered by PetSure (check our brand partners at petsure.gholab.com.au/partners), unless related to a pre-existing condition or exclusion. Refer to your policy documents and Product Disclosure Statement for more information.

References

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8896028 “Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: What Can be Done?” Published: 01 April 2019 Accessed 06 May 2020

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.