Different Types of Arthritis in Pets from a Veterinarian Near You in Paducah, KY

When we think of arthritis, we often picture older pets moving a bit slower or hesitating to jump up on the couch. Arthritis is more than just “getting old,” however. It’s a group of joint conditions that can develop from wear and tear, injury, or underlying disease. At Paducah Veterinary Clinic, your veterinarian in Paducah, KY, we work with pet owners every day to identify and manage arthritis early. Below are the most common types of arthritis seen in dogs and cats, and how they affect the body.

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

This is the most common type of arthritis in pets. Osteoarthritis develops gradually as cartilage in the joints wears down over time. As the cushion between bones thins, movement becomes painful. This condition can affect any joint but is most commonly seen in the hips, knees, elbows, and spine.

Signs include:

●             Stiffness after rest or in the morning

●             Limping or favoring one leg

●             Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

●             A decrease in activity or playfulness

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is a much less common condition, but it’s more complex. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints by mistake, leading to inflammation and joint destruction. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is mainly due to mechanical wear, rheumatoid arthritis involves the body’s immune response.

Symptoms often include:

●             Joint swelling

●             Lameness that shifts between legs

●             Fever or reduced appetite

●             Periods of worsening symptoms followed by brief relief

Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is caused by an infection in the joint, typically from bacteria. This type of arthritis develops rapidly and is often linked to a wound, surgery, or spread of infection from another area in the body.

Symptoms may include:

●             Sudden joint swelling

●             Severe pain in a specific joint

●             Heat at the joint site

●             Lethargy or fever

Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA)

In this condition, the immune system causes inflammation in multiple joints without an infection present. It’s often idiopathic, meaning the cause isn’t always clear, but it may be triggered by chronic infections, vaccines, or other immune system shifts.

Typical signs are:

●             Stiff walking or difficulty rising

●             Swollen joints (especially carpal and hock joints)

●             Fatigue or reduced interest in normal activities

Visit Us for Pet Arthritis Treatment from a Veterinarian Near You in Paducah, KY

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of an active life for your pet. Whether it’s slow-onset osteoarthritis or a more complex immune condition, early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help preserve mobility. At Paducah Veterinary Clinic, your veterinarian in Paducah, KY, we’re here to help your pet keep moving. Call us at (270) 443-8835 for pet arthritis treatment from a veterinarian near you.