Arthritis often develops gradually, making the early signs easy to overlook. Your dog may still enjoy walks but begin slowing down, hesitate before jumping into the car, struggle with stairs, or seem stiff after resting. Other subtle signs include decreased interest in play, changes in posture, muscle loss, or behavioral changes such as irritability when touched. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before significant joint damage occurs.

Rehabilitation should ideally begin within the first few days to 2 weeks after TPLO surgery. Early rehabilitation focuses on pain management, reducing swelling, maintaining joint mobility, and encouraging proper weight bearing. As healing progresses, exercises become more advanced to rebuild strength, improve balance, and safely return your dog to normal activity.

Treatment depends on your dog's age, activity level, and the severity of the disease. Many dogs benefit from a combination of weight management, rehabilitation therapy, therapeutic exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, injectable therapies, acupuncture, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy. In severe cases, surgical procedures such as total hip replacement may be recommended. A personalized treatment plan often provides the best long-term results.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Treatment can increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and help decrease pain. Shockwave therapy is commonly used for arthritis, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Many dogs experience improved comfort and mobility as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Your dog may benefit from a rehabilitation evaluation if you notice stiffness, limping, difficulty getting up, decreased endurance, reluctance to jump, muscle loss, balance problems, chronic pain, or a slower recovery after surgery or injury. Rehabilitation is appropriate for both orthopedic and neurologic conditions and can help improve mobility, strength, function, and overall quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it does not heal on its own. However, progression can often be slowed with early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan. Weight management, rehabilitation therapy, exercise, medications, joint injections, and other therapies work together to reduce pain, maintain muscle mass, improve mobility, and preserve quality of life for as long as possible.

Maintaining mobility starts with regular veterinary evaluations and early recognition of arthritis or other orthopedic conditions. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing regular low-impact exercise, strengthening muscles through rehabilitation, using non-slip flooring, and managing pain appropriately can all help your senior dog stay active and comfortable. Even small changes in mobility deserve evaluation, as early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.