By Christine Jurek, DVM, MSIVM (Canine)
Learn how effective arthritis conversations can help veterinary teams identify problems earlier, set realistic expectations, and partner with clients on long-term management.
Osteoarthritis is a common syndrome seen in pets and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among our companion animals. This is a complex, chronic disease that is still not well defined, which makes it more difficult to explain to our clients. The complicated pathophysiology creates a spectrum of anatomic changes, inflammation, and pain that requires a thoughtful, flexible approach. Every pet will have different needs, and the best route to management takes partnership and ongoing communication between the family and the entire care team. Keep in mind that if your care team is not talking to clients about arthritis, someone else (such as a supplement company, online pet supply or pharmacy, or pet store employee) will.
When should we start a discussion about arthritis?
The best time to start a conversation about arthritis is before the pet is showing clinical signs, but oftentimes, the diagnosis is made when the family notices that something is wrong. Initiating the discussion can look different depending on the stage of arthritis.
Pre-clinical: Family is unaware of the problem; pet may or may not show subtle signs
Discuss risk factors.
Breed, conformation, and activity level/intended purpose.
Age, excess weight, and poor muscle mass.
Discuss regular visits (at least every 6 months) and screening diagnostic imaging to establish baselines.
Include an arthritis screen at every wellness visit, even for puppies.
Example script: “Prince has two risk factors for developing arthritis—his weight is over ideal, and he is a Golden Retriever, a high-risk breed. The good news is that we can take a proactive approach so that if Prince does develop arthritis, we can easily manage it, and he may never know he has a problem.”
This article originally appeared on dvm360.com on August 27, 2026, as part of Thrive Pet Healthcare's Strategic Alliance with dvm360.
About Christine Jurek, DVM, MSIVM-CDr. Jurek is the Medical Director at
TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, Illinois, where she has focused on integrative rehabilitation since 2002. She earned her veterinary degree from Purdue University in 1996 and her Master of Science in Integrative Medicine with a Canine focus from Chi University in 2023.
In her free time, she enjoys photography, drawing and painting, hiking, training and entertaining her three Labradors, and, as a board member of The Way of the Rain, working to support artistic performances that inspire action to protect our planet.
