Understanding Arthritis in Animals

Healthy joints allow animals to move comfortably and stay active. Arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is a common condition that affects joint function over time. Understanding how it develops, the signs to watch for, and available treatment options can help support long‑term comfort and mobility.

Understanding the condition

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that cushions and protects a joint gradually wears down. Healthy joints rely on cartilage and joint fluid for smooth, comfortable movement. As cartilage deteriorates, the joint can become painful, stiff, and less mobile.

Arthritis often develops because of an underlying joint problem, such as a previous injury, joint instability, inflammation, fractures, ligament tears, cartilage damage, or meniscal injuries. It can also occur as a natural part of the aging process as joints experience wear and tear over time.

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Signs and Symptoms

Signs of arthritis may include stiffness, especially after resting, difficulty getting up, reluctance to run, jump, play, or climb stairs, and decreased activity levels.

Your pet may also seem uncomfortable during exercise or less interested in activities they once enjoyed.

Because these changes often develop gradually, they can be easy to miss at first and are often attributed to normal aging.

Diagnosis

Because some of these conditions may benefit from surgical treatment, a thorough evaluation by your veterinarian is important to identify any underlying joint problems.

Arthritis can also develop as a result of aging or after a previous injury or surgery.

Unfortunately, arthritis cannot be cured or reversed once it develops. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow disease progression,¹ helping your pet stay active and comfortable for as long as possible.

Symptoms By Pet Type

Arthritis Symptoms

The signs of arthritis can vary between species and often develop gradually, making them easy to miss in the early stages.

Common signs of arthritis in dogs include stiffness (especially after rest), slower movement or reluctance to run or jump, difficulty rising or climbing stairs, and decreased activity or enthusiasm for play.

Because these changes often occur gradually, they may be mistaken for normal aging.

Common signs of arthritis in cats include stiffness (especially after rest), jumping less often or not jumping as high as usual, urinating or defecating outside the litter box, decreased grooming or a less well‑kept coat, sensitivity or discomfort when being pet (especially near the lower back or tail), and decreased activity or less interest in play.

Arthritis can affect a horse's comfort, movement, and performance. Even mild joint changes can influence training and daily activity.

Common signs may include stiffness during movement, changes in stride or performance, sensitivity in affected joints and reduced willingness to work or train.

Treatment options By pet type

Options for Joint Health

Treatment for arthritis focuses on managing inflammation, improving comfort, and supporting long-term joint health.

Arthrex ACP® System

Uses your pet’s own blood to create a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is injected into the affected joint and may help reduce pain² and inflammation³ while supporting the body’s natural healing response.⁴

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ACP Max™ System

Concentrates platelets while reducing inflammatory cells,⁴ helping support joint comfort, mobility, and function over time.⁵

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Angel® System

Allows veterinarians to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that can be customized to meet your pet's individual needs.

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These treatment options are designed to work with your pet's natural healing processes and may be used as part of a comprehensive care plan developed by your veterinarian to help support comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Arthrex ACP® System

Uses your horse's own blood to concentrate platelets and growth factors,² which may help reduce inflammation³ and support the body's natural healing response within the joint.⁴

Learn More

ACP Max™ System

Concentrates platelets while reducing inflammatory cells,⁴helping support joint comfort, mobility, and function over time.⁵

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IRAP ProEAS™ System

Produces naturally occurring proteins called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) that help reduce inflammation within the joint,⁶ supporting comfort, mobility, and overall joint function.

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These therapies are designed to work with your horse's natural healing processes and are often used as part of a broader treatment plan to help maintain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

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This is not veterinary advice and Arthrex recommends that veterinarians be trained in the use of any particular product before using it in surgery. A veterinarian must always rely on their own professional clinical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product. A veterinarian must always refer to the package insert, product label, and/or directions for use before using any Arthrex product. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory or veterinary practices in individual markets. Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes. Please contact your Arthrex representative if you have questions about availability of products in your area.

Understanding Arthritis in Animals

What Is Arthritis?

For Dogskeyboard_arrow_down

For Catskeyboard_arrow_down

For Horseskeyboard_arrow_down

Arthrex ACP® System

ACP Max™ System

Angel® System

Arthrex ACP® System

ACP Max™ System

IRAP ProEAS™ System

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