FUNCTIONAL HEALTH GUIDE -- ARTHRITIS

Functional Health — Joint & Spinal Arthritis

A Longevity-Focused, Science-Based Guide for Dogs & Cats
By Dr. Kevin Toman, The Longevity Vet

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Why Arthritis Is a Functional Health Issue

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and mobility loss in pets—and one of the most overlooked.

Most pets do not limp dramatically at first. Instead, they:

  • slow down subtly

  • change how they sit, lie down, or jump

  • sleep more

  • interact less

Functional Health focuses on early detection, whole-body impact, and long-term mobility, not just pain suppression.

This worksheet is a decision-support tool, not a diagnosis.
It is organized around The 3 Core Goals.

The 3 Core Goals

This worksheet is designed to help you:

  1. Clarify what matters most right now

  2. Determine the next best test 

  3. Choose the most appropriate next step

Core Goal 1: Clarify What Matters Most Right Now

What Arthritis Really Is -- Simple Biology

Arthritis is not “just wear and tear.”
It is a progressive mechanical and inflammatory process:

  • joint laxity or instability develops

  • abnormal motion stresses cartilage

  • the body lays down extra bone to stabilize the joint

  • rough bone + thinning cartilage create friction

  • inflammation increases

  • movement becomes painful

Spinal arthritis follows a similar path:

  • vertebral instability → bone spurs (spondylosis)

  • reduced flexibility → nerve irritation in advanced cases

Left untreated, this cycle feeds itself.

A Critical (and Often Missed) Consequence: Weight Shifting

When pain is worse in one limb, pets instinctively shift weight.

This leads to:

  • overload of the “good” leg

  • secondary spinal pain

  • accelerated arthritis elsewhere

Treating only one joint—without addressing compensation—often creates new pain months later.
Arthritis must be approached as a whole-body problem.

Early Warning Signs That Matter

Dogs:

  • slowing on walks

  • stiffness after rest

  • hesitation with stairs or jumping

  • intermittent limping

  • reduced play

Cats:

  • less jumping

  • hiding more

  • missed litter box

  • irritability

  • reduced grooming

If these are present, arthritis deserves attention—even without dramatic limping.

Core Goal 2: Determine the Next Best Test 

Accurate Diagnosis Comes First -- Non-Negotiable

Arthritis should never be diagnosed by guesswork alone.

What’s required:

  • skilled orthopedic & neurologic exam

  • X-rays of affected joints and/or spine

  • gait, posture, muscle symmetry, and range-of-motion assessment

Why this matters:

  • ligament tears, disk disease, and nerve pain can mimic arthritis

  • spinal pain is treated differently than joint pain

  • baseline imaging allows tracking over time

Correct diagnosis determines the right mix of supplements, rehab, and medications.

Core Goal 3: Choose the Most Appropriate Next Step

Arthritis care works best when layered thoughtfully.

Step 1: Address Whole-Body Stressors First

These changes reduce pain immediately:

  • Weight optimization (if overweight)

  • Floor traction (rugs, runners, non-slip mats)

  • Stop high-impact activity (jumping, stairs, fetch with abrupt stops)

Even small changes here can significantly improve comfort.

Step 2: Core Natural Therapies (All Arthritic Pets)

These form the foundation of functional arthritis care.

Primary Joint Support

TRANSCEND --Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II)

  • immune-modulates joint inflammation

  • supported by controlled studies in pets and humans

  • works at very low doses

This is the cornerstone supplement 

Systemic Anti-Inflammation

Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)

  • reduces inflammatory mediators

  • supports cartilage and joint lubrication

  • foundational when dosed appropriately

LONGEVITY PLUS -- Advanced curcumin/boswellia/ashwagandha

  • lowers whole-body inflammatory burden

  • supports muscles, spine, and soft tissues

  • synergistic with fish oil and UC-II

(Used in Longevity Plus formulations.)

Pain & Comfort Support (Adjunct)

CBD

  • modulates inflammatory pain signaling

  • improves comfort and sleep in some pets

  • supportive, not curative

⚠️ Glucosamine/chondroitin may help some pets but is optional, not foundational.

Step 3: Reassess in 4–6 Weeks

Ask:

  • Is movement easier?

  • Is your pet more willing to walk, play, or engage?

  • Is stiffness improving?

Step 4: When Natural Support Isn’t Enough

Modern Injectable Therapies

  • Librela (dogs)

  • Solensia (cats)

These target nerve growth factor (NGF), a key pain pathway, and can dramatically improve comfort and function.

They do not fix the joint—but they often restore quality of life.

Traditional NSAIDs

  • effective for many dogs

  • require liver/kidney monitoring

  • used cautiously in cats because they can FRY the kidneys.

Goal: lowest effective dose, combined with supplements and lifestyle support.

Step 5: Address Secondary & Compensatory Pain

Always reassess:

  • spine

  • opposite limb

  • muscle tension

If compensation pain is present, adjust rehab and support before new injuries develop.

Step 6: Advanced Support (When Function Declines)

Consider:

  • referral to a certified rehabilitation veterinarian

  • structured strengthening and balance work

  • acupuncture or laser therapy as adjuncts

These preserve function—they are not stand-alone cures.

What Success Looks Like

Success is:

  • comfortable movement

  • willingness to walk and engage

  • stable or improving mobility

  • reduced reliance on rescue pain meds

Arthritis is chronic—but comfort and function are achievable.

When to Escalate Beyond the Worksheet

A PET LONGEVITY CONSULT is appropriate when:

  • multiple joints or the spine are involved

  • pain is progressing despite good care

  • medication decisions feel complex

  • you want a prioritized, long-term plan

Text link CTA:
Start a Pet Longevity Consult

For ongoing oversight, adjustments, and monitoring:

Explore Longevity Protocols

Your Next Step

Most pet parents start with:

  • Functional Health — Foundations

  • then add Arthritis & Mobility support early

  • escalate thoughtfully before pain becomes limiting

There is no single “best” therapy—only the appropriate next step for your pet today.

Return to Functional Health Worksheets

The Functional Pet Health Takeaway

  • Diagnose accurately

  • Treat early

  • Use natural therapies first

  • Add prescription support when needed

  • Think whole-body, not single joint

Arthritis care isn’t about masking pain.
It’s about protecting movement for the rest of your pet’s life.

 

About These Worksheets


This worksheet is part of the Functional Health system developed at PetFunctionHealth.com, designed to identify early decline and guide long-term longevity strategy.