Osteoarthritis in Pets and How Solensia® and Librela® Can Improve Mobility and Comfort
It’s incredibly difficult to watch a pet lose the spring in their step. A dog who once bounded up stairs now hesitates at the bottom. A cat who once claimed the windowsill as her throne now avoids jumping at all. These subtle shifts are often early signs of osteoarthritis (OA)—a progressive joint condition that causes chronic pain and reduced mobility in both dogs and cats.
At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic in Valley Center, California, we’re here to help pets with OA move more freely, feel more comfortable, and enjoy life again. From early detection to groundbreaking treatments like Solensia® and Librela®, this guide walks you through how to recognize OA and what you can do about it.
Understanding Osteoarthritis: Why It Happens and Who’s at Risk
Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down, often due to aging. But it’s not just “old age”—excess weight, previous injuries, joint abnormalities, and even breed-specific risks (like hip dysplasia in large dogs) can accelerate cartilage damage.
Senior pets are especially vulnerable, but they’re not alone. Overweight cats, dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery, and certain breeds—like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds—are all more likely to develop OA over time.
Spotting the Signs: What to Watch for at Home
Osteoarthritis tends to creep in slowly. You may notice your pet becoming less enthusiastic about walks, struggling to stand after resting, or hesitating before jumping on the couch. Cats may groom less, hide more, or start avoiding the litter box—especially if stepping in and out is painful.
Behavioral changes are often the clearest signal that something’s wrong. Increased irritability, a reluctance to be touched, or frequent licking of the same joint can all point to pain.
Explore common signs of pet pain
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis: What to Expect at the Vet
If your pet is showing signs of stiffness, limping, or discomfort, we’ll begin with a full physical exam. Joint manipulation helps us assess range of motion, inflammation, and pain. X-rays or ultrasound are often used to visualize joint damage, while bloodwork can rule out other issues common in senior pets.
Why preventive testing matters – Zoetis Petcare
Breakthrough Treatments: Solensia® and Librela®
Today, we have more powerful—and more targeted—tools than ever to manage OA pain.
Solensia®, designed specifically for cats, is a monthly injection that uses monoclonal antibody technology to block pain signals at their source. It’s well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, and has shown significant improvement in mobility and comfort in aging felines.
Librela® is the dog counterpart—also a monthly injection, also targeting pain-causing nerve growth factor (NGF). Unlike traditional NSAIDs, Librela doesn’t burden the liver or kidneys, making it a strong option for long-term use, especially in senior dogs or those with concurrent conditions.
These therapies are ushering in a new era of OA management—less daily medication, more sustained relief.
Comprehensive Treatment: Building a Full Care Plan
While Solensia® and Librela® are game changers, they’re often most effective as part of a multi-modal plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
Traditional medications like NSAIDs can be used to reduce inflammation, while adjunct therapies such as gabapentin or joint supplements (like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s) help support joint health and manage nerve-related pain.
For pets who can benefit from it, physical rehabilitation—including hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage—can help rebuild strength and mobility, while cold laser therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to reduce pain and swelling.
Learn about our cold laser therapy
Explore the role of rehab – Canine Arthritis
In severe or advanced cases, surgical options like joint debridement, corrective orthopedic surgery (such as TPLO for knees), or even joint replacement may be considered.
Supporting Your Pet at Home
The environment you create at home plays a big role in your pet’s comfort. Orthopedic beds help cushion sore joints, while ramps or pet stairs reduce the strain of jumping. Non-slip rugs can make a big difference on hardwood or tile floors, especially for senior dogs with weak hind legs.
Daily activity remains important—but low-impact and consistent is the goal. Gentle walks, warm-up stretches, and light play help maintain flexibility and muscle tone without putting too much stress on inflamed joints.
And don’t underestimate the power of nutrition. Managing weight is one of the most effective ways to slow joint degeneration. Prescription diets with joint-supporting ingredients—like added omega-3s and antioxidants—can also help reduce inflammation and improve overall joint function.
Warm-Ups and Cooldowns – Canine Arthritis
When to Call Your Veterinarian
If your pet’s symptoms are persistent—or you notice a sudden decline in mobility, changes in energy, or visible joint swelling—it’s time for an evaluation. At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we offer full osteoarthritis assessments and can build a personalized pain management plan based on your pet’s lifestyle, stage of disease, and comfort level.
Long-Term Management and Support
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it will change over time—and your treatment plan should too. Regular wellness visits allow us to monitor your pet’s response to therapy and adjust as needed. We may recommend additional rehab, new therapies, or changes to medication based on how your pet is feeling and moving.
For pets in advanced stages, we also offer compassionate palliative care and quality-of-life assessments to help guide next steps when the time comes.
Mobility, Comfort, and a Full Life—Even with OA
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of joy, movement, or connection. With early recognition, a thoughtful care plan, and innovations like Solensia® and Librela®, pets with arthritis can live full, happy, and active lives well into their senior years.
If your pet is slowing down, don’t chalk it up to “just getting old.” Let’s find out what’s going on—and what we can do to help.
Schedule a visit today at Valley Center Veterinary Clinic.
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