Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting older dogs and can also occur in younger dogs following injury or joint abnormalities. Left unmanaged, it can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
At Epsom Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Ascot, we provide comprehensive arthritis treatment for dogs in Perth, focusing on pain relief, joint support and long-term management.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis) occurs when cartilage within joints breaks down over time. As the protective cartilage deteriorates, joints become inflamed, stiff and painful.
The hips, knees, elbows and shoulders are most commonly affected.
Common signs include:
Dogs often hide pain, so gradual changes in behaviour should not be ignored.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, where we assess your dog’s gait, joint flexibility, muscle tone and overall mobility. We gently manipulate affected joints to identify areas of stiffness, pain or reduced range of motion, and discuss any changes you’ve noticed at home, such as reluctance to exercise, difficulty rising or altered behaviour.
If arthritis is suspected, imaging such as radiographs may be recommended to evaluate joint structure, detect cartilage loss, bone changes or inflammation, and determine the severity of disease. In some cases, additional testing may be advised to rule out other causes of pain. An accurate diagnosis allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan focused on reducing discomfort, maintaining mobility and supporting your dog’s long-term quality of life.
If you’re noticing changes in your dog’s movement or comfort, we encourage you to book an assessment so we can evaluate their joints and discuss appropriate treatment options.
While arthritis cannot be cured, symptoms can be effectively managed through a combination of:
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered. Our focus is improving comfort, maintaining mobility and supporting long-term wellbeing.
If you have any questions or need advice, simply call us on (08) 9277 2231 or contact us online.
