Arthritis Care in Montgomery, TX
Watching your dog slow down on morning walks or noticing your cat stop jumping up to their favorite perch can feel like an inevitable part of getting older, but for millions of pets, it is something far more treatable. Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), affects about 14 million dogs and between 40% and 90% of cats over their lifetimes. The signs are often subtle at first, dismissed as simple aging, but early recognition and care can dramatically change the trajectory of your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
At Fish Creek Animal Hospital, our veterinary services are designed to meet your pet where they are, whether they’re just beginning to show stiffness or managing a more advanced stage of joint disease. Our team of three veterinarians, including Texas A&M graduates who are proud Texas natives, has been serving the Montgomery and surrounding communities for four and a half years. We believe in personalized care tailored to your pet’s individual needs, and arthritis management is one area where that thoughtful, ongoing relationship makes all the difference.
What Are the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats?
Because arthritis develops gradually, many pet owners are surprised to learn their companion has been in pain for quite some time before a diagnosis is made. Dogs and cats are both very good at masking discomfort, so knowing what to watch for is essential to catching the disease early.
Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
Dogs with arthritis often display stiffness when getting up after rest, reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car, and a noticeable decrease in their enthusiasm for exercise. You might also notice subtle behavioral shifts, such as increased irritability when touched in certain areas, or a preference for lying down more than usual. Lameness or favoring a particular limb is another common indicator, especially after periods of physical activity.
Signs of Arthritis in Cats
Cats are particularly skilled at concealing joint pain, making feline arthritis one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in veterinary medicine. Pet owners should watch for changes in daily habits, including a reluctance to use the litter box (especially one with high sides), reduced grooming or over-grooming a specific area, less jumping to elevated surfaces, and increased hiding or withdrawal from the household. These behavioral changes are often the first and most reliable clues that something is wrong.
How Is Pet Arthritis Diagnosed and Treated?
A proper diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam and a full discussion of the changes you’ve observed at home. Your pet’s history and lifestyle are valuable diagnostic tools. From there, we may recommend radiographs to evaluate joint structure and the extent of any degenerative changes. Our on-site diagnostic capabilities, including radiography and ultrasonography, allow us to gather detailed information about your pet’s condition without referring out for imaging. For cases where internal organ health may be a concern, our radiologist visits the clinic in person to perform and interpret ultrasounds.
Treatment for arthritis is rarely a single solution. A multimodal approach tends to yield the best outcomes, and we work with you to build a management plan that accounts for your pet’s age, breed, weight, and lifestyle. Some of the most commonly recommended approaches include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Prescription NSAIDs and newer injectable monoclonal antibody therapies can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility for both dogs and cats.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the mechanical load on affected joints, which can slow disease progression and improve comfort.
- Joint supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin may support cartilage health and reduce inflammation over time.
- Therapeutic diets: Specialized nutrition formulas are available that incorporate anti-inflammatory ingredients to help manage joint disease from the inside out.
- Environmental modifications: Simple changes like orthopedic bedding, ramps, and low-sided litter boxes can meaningfully improve daily comfort.
No two patients are alike, and we treat every pet as an individual when developing their plan. Our commitment to quality medicine means we stay current on evolving therapies so your pet has access to the best available options.
Ready to Meet Our Team?
We'd love to care for your pet. Call us to speak with our team or book your visit online — we're here Mon–Fri 8am–6pm & 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month: 8:00 am –12:00pm
Why Choose Fish Creek Animal Hospital for Arthritis Care?
Managing a chronic condition like arthritis requires consistency, communication, and a veterinary team you trust. Our veterinarians and staff are deeply connected to this community, and many on our team are Montgomery-area locals. That shared investment in the neighborhood reflects the kind of care we bring into every exam room. We are privately owned and operated, which means our focus is always on what is right for your pet rather than on production targets or corporate protocols.
We are also equipped to handle a wide range of diagnostic needs in-house. Using EKG screening to ensure safety during anesthesia, on-site radiography, and access to a visiting specialist for ultrasound interpretation, our team can provide thorough evaluations without the delays or added stress of referrals for routine diagnostics.
We also know that life does not always happen on weekdays. Fish Creek Animal Hospital is open on the first and third Saturdays of the month, offering extended access for families with busy schedules who want to stay on top of their pet’s care.
Trust Fish Creek Animal Hospital With Your Pet's Arthritis Care in Montgomery, TX
Arthritis is a progressive disease, which means the earlier it is identified and addressed, the better the long-term outcome for your pet. Our team is here to help you understand what your dog or cat is experiencing, build a realistic and compassionate care plan, and stay by your side as their needs evolve over time.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your pet’s mobility, energy, or behavior, we encourage you to reach out. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, and let us help your companion feel their best again.
**Our accepted forms of payment include CareCredit, Scratchpay, cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.**
