As pets age, owners start to notice a change in activity levels and mood. Often, osteoarthritis is to blame. Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common yet often underdiagnosed condition in dogs and cats. It affects pets' mobility, quality of life, and emotional well-being — and in many cases, progresses quietly before symptoms are noticed. Fortunately, modern therapies like stem cell treatment are offering new hope to aging or injured pets suffering from this chronic joint disorder.  

Osteoarthritis is far more prevalent than many pet owners realize. Estimates are that 1 in 5 adult dogs suffer from osteoarthritis. In older dogs over the age of 7, that number can climb as high as 80%, particularly in large breeds. In cats, osteoarthritis is often underreported, but research indicates that over 60% of cats over age 6 and up to 90% of cats over 12 show radiographic signs of osteoarthritis, even if they don’t show obvious symptoms. Because cats are particularly good at hiding pain, their condition may go undiagnosed without proactive veterinary care.  

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats

While symptoms may differ slightly between species, common signs include:  

In Dogs:  

  • Limping or lameness
  • Stiffness when getting up
  • Reluctance to walk, jump, or play
  • Difficulty climbing stairs or into vehicles
  • Behavioral changes (irritability, depression)

In Cats:  

  • Hesitation or refusal to jump onto furniture
  • Less time grooming or a scruffy coat
  • Avoiding the litter box (due to pain getting in or out)
  • Reduced activity and playfulness
  • Hiding or decreased interaction

Early detection and intervention are key to improving comfort and slowing progression.  

While conventional therapies for osteoarthritis include pain killers, anti-inflammatories, and joint supplements. Although these may offer some short-term relief, there are other integrative options for pets, including stem cell therapy.  

Stem cell therapy is an innovative regenerative medicine approach that uses the pet’s own healing cells to reduce inflammation, regenerate damaged tissue, and improve joint function. It works by harvesting stem cells from the pet’s fat tissue, under anesthesia, and then isolating them for re-injecting directly into the affected joints. Stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties and are able to promote the regeneration of cartilage, ligaments, and other joint structures. Stem cell therapy offers longer term benefits not only for the reduction of pain and stiffness, but also by improving mobility and reducing the need for medications or surgery.  

Many pets begin showing improvement within weeks of stem cell treatment, and the effects can last up to 1–2 years or more, depending on the severity of the arthritis and the individual response.  

If your dog or cat is slowing down, seems stiff, or is no longer as playful as they used to be, don’t dismiss it as "just getting old." Osteoarthritis is treatable, and early diagnosis can greatly improve outcomes. Contact us to schedule a consultation at Longevity Veterinary Center so that we can assess your pet and determine if stem cell therapy might be a good fit.