FUNCTIONAL HEALTH GUIDE -- ARTHRITIS

FUNCTIONAL CARE OF PETS WITH JOINT & SPINAL ARTHRITIS

A Practical, Science-Based Guide for Dogs and Cats

By Dr. Kevin Toman, The Longevity Vet

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and mobility loss in dogs and cats—and one of the most overlooked. Pets rarely limp dramatically at first. Instead, they compensate quietly until pain reshapes how they move, sleep, and interact.

This monograph explains why arthritis develops, how to diagnose it correctly, and how to build a layered, longevity-focused plan that blends natural therapies, lifestyle changes, and modern prescription options—without overpromising or oversimplifying.

1) ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS COMES FIRST

Arthritis should never be diagnosed by guesswork alone.

What’s required:

  • A hands-on orthopedic and neurologic exam by a skilled veterinarian (or surgical specialist when indicated)
  • X-rays of the painful joint(s) and, when relevant, the spine
  • Assessment of gait, posture, muscle symmetry, and range of motion

Why this matters:

  • Many problems look like arthritis but aren’t (ligament tears, disk disease, nerve compression)
  • Spinal problems are treated differently than joint problems
  • Correct diagnosis determines the right mix of supplements, rehab, and medications
  • Baseline imaging lets us track progression and response to therapy over time

2) WHY ARTHRITIS DEVELOPS (THE SIMPLE BIOLOGY)

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

  1. Joint laxity or instability develops over time
    (from genetics, chronic wear and tear,  injury, or poor alignment)
  2. Abnormal movement within the joint
    → cartilage stress and micro-damage
  3. Bone proliferation around the joint
    → the body lays down extra bone (osteophytes) to help stabilize the joint
  4. This new bone is rough and causes friction both inside and around the joint
    → cartilage thins, inflammation increases, motion hurts
  5. Pain and Inflammation result.  Over time, this cycle feeds itself.

Spinal arthritis follows a similar path:

  • Instability between vertebrae creates…
  • Bone spurs (spondylosis), which create…
  • Reduced flexibility and…
  • Nerve irritation or compression in advanced cases

3)  A CRITICAL  (AND OFTEN MISSED) CONSEQUENCE: WEIGHT SHIFTING

When arthritic pain is severe in one leg, pets instinctively protect it by shifting weight.

This causes:

  • Overloading of the OPPOSITE limb (the “good” leg starts to hurt)
  • Secondary spinal pain and inflammation
  • Accelerated arthritis elsewhere

Treating only the painful joint—without addressing compensation—often leads to new problems months later. Whole-body thinking is essential.

4) NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS: WHAT WORKS… AND WHAT DOESN’T

Glucosamine & Chondroitin: The Honest Truth

Despite years of use, studies in both dogs and humans show these supplements are far less effective than once hoped. Some pets may feel mild benefit, but they are not reliable core therapies for arthritis.

They are optional—not foundational.

THE NATURAL SUPPLEMENT PROVEN MOST EFFECTIVE

Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II), which we sell as TRANSCEND.
This is the most consistently supported natural therapy in both humans and pets. 

·       A study in dogs showed up to 93% pain reduction

·       A study in humans showed better pain relief than NSAID drugs

How it works:

  • Trains the immune system to stop attacking joint cartilage
  • Reduces inflammatory signaling inside the joint
  • Improves comfort and mobility over time

We use and recommend this as TRANSCEND, because UC-II:

  • Works at very low doses
  • Is supported by controlled studies
  • Is especially helpful for immune-driven joint inflammation

For pets with painful joints, this is the cornerstone supplement.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

EPA and DHA:

  • Reduce inflammatory mediators
  • Improve joint lubrication
  • Support cartilage health

Fish oil is foundational, not optional, in arthritis care—provided dosing is appropriate and quality is high.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD does not rebuild joints, but it can:

  • Reduce inflammatory pain signaling
  • Improve comfort and activity
  • Help with secondary anxiety related to chronic pain

Evidence supports its role as a supportive adjunct, especially when pain limits movement or sleep.

Curcumin (Systemic Anti-Inflammation)

Curcumin provides whole-body anti-inflammatory support, not just joint-specific effects.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced inflammatory cytokines
  • Support for muscles, spine, and soft tissues
  • Synergy with fish oil and UC-II

Our LONGEVITY PLUS formulation is used to help lower the global inflammatory burden that worsens arthritis over time.

5) LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS – CRUCIAL, OFTEN OVERLOOKED.

Weight Loss (If Overweight)

Even modest excess weight:

  • Dramatically increases joint load
  • Accelerates cartilage damage
  • Worsens pain

Weight optimization is one of the most powerful arthritis treatments available.

Home Environment: Floors Matter

Slippery tile or hardwood floors create slips and falls, each of which worsens your pet’s pain.  They force pets to:

  • Grip awkwardly
  • Tense muscles
  • Avoid movement

Solutions:

  • Area rugs with rubber backs
  • Runners with rubber backs
  • Non-slip mats (eg yoga mats)  in key pathways
  • Toe grips or traction booties

These changes alone can improve confidence and mobility.

Exercise: WHAT TO DO — AND WHAT TO AVOID

Best exercise:

  • Non-concussive, linear movement
  • Walks/trots – even occasional running -- on level ground
  • Swimming or underwater treadmill (when available)

Avoid:

  • Jumping (on/off furniture)
  • Stairs (especially repetitive use)
  • Fetch with abrupt stops
  • High-impact or twisting activities – no Frisbee or chasing a Kong

Movement should nourish joints, not punish them.

6) PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: WHEN NATURAL SUPPORT ISN’T ENOUGH

Modern Injectable Therapies

  • Librela (dogs) and Solensia (cats) target nerve growth factor (NGF), a key pain pathway.
  • These drugs can dramatically reduce pain and improve quality of life in many pets.

They do not fix the joint—but they can restore comfort and function.

Traditional NSAIDs (Oral Anti-Inflammatories)

These can be very effective and are a cornerstone therapy for most painful dogs.  However, they…

  • May affect liver or kidney function
  • Require monitoring
  • Must be used cautiously in cats due to potential kidney damage.

They are valuable tools—but we just need to keep an eye on them.

7) REHABILITATION & ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Certified Rehabilitation Veterinarians

If function loss is moderate to severe, referral to a certified rehab vet can be transformative.

They offer:

  • Individualized exercise plans
  • Strength and balance retraining
  • Pain-reducing modalities

Acupuncture & Laser Therapy

These can:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve circulation
  • Support nerve and muscle health

They work best as adjuncts, not stand-alone cures.

8) PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: THE FUNCTIONAL ARTHRITIS PLAN

The most successful arthritis plans combine:

  • Accurate diagnosis
  • Weight optimization
  • Smart supplements (UC-II, fish oil, curcumin, CBD)
  • Thoughtful exercise
  • Environmental support
  • Prescription therapy when needed
  • Rehab when function declines

 

WANT A MORE DETAILED PLAN?  HERE’S YOUR PET ARTHRITIS DECISION TREE

A Simple, Smart Path for Dogs & Cats with Joint or Spinal Pain

STEP 1: DO YOU SEE EARLY WARNING SIGNS?

If YES to any below, arthritis should be suspected:

  • Slowing down on walks
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down
  • Hesitation with stairs or jumping
  • Stiffness after rest
  • Limping (even intermittent)
  • Reduced play or activity
  • In cats: hiding, less jumping, missed litter box

➡️ Proceed to Step 2

STEP 2: CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Before treating arthritis, confirm it.

Required:

  • Skilled orthopedic & neurologic exam
  • X-rays of affected joints and/or spine

Why this matters:

  • Not all pain is arthritis
  • Ligament tears, disk disease, or nerve pain need different care
  • Imaging sets a baseline and guides treatment

➡️ Confirmed arthritis? → Step 3

STEP 3: ADDRESS WHOLE-BODY FACTORS FIRST

Is your pet overweight?

  • YES → Weight loss becomes part of treatment
  • NO → Proceed

Slippery floors at home?

  • YES → Add rugs / runners immediately
  • NO → Proceed

High-impact activity?

  • YES → Stop jumping, stairs, fetch
  • NO → Proceed

➡️ These steps reduce joint stress immediately.

STEP 4: START CORE NATURAL THERAPIES (ALL PETS)

These form the foundation of arthritis care:

PRIMARY JOINT SUPPORT

  • Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II)
    → Immune-modulates joint inflammation
    → Core supplement (e.g., TRANSCEND)

SYSTEMIC ANTI-INFLAMMATION

  • Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
  • Curcumin (e.g., Longevity Plus)

PAIN & COMFORT SUPPORT (ADJUNCT)

  • CBD for inflammatory pain modulation

⚠️ Glucosamine/chondroitin is optional — not a primary therapy.

➡️ Reassess comfort in 4–6 weeks.

STEP 5: IS YOUR PET IMPROVING?

✅ YES — CLEAR IMPROVEMENT

  • Continue supplements and lifestyle changes
  • Add non-concussive linear exercise (walking, swimming)
  • Monitor every 3–6 months

➡️ This is success.

⚠️ PARTIAL IMPROVEMENT

  • Confirm compliance
  • Increase rehab-style exercise
  • Consider referral to certified rehab vet
  • Add prescription therapy if pain limits function

➡️ Proceed to Step 6.

❌ NO IMPROVEMENT / MODERATE–SEVERE PAIN

➡️ Proceed directly to Step 6.

STEP 6: PRESCRIPTION PAIN CONTROL (WHEN NEEDED)

FIRST-LINE MODERN OPTIONS

  • Librela (dogs)
  • Solensia (cats)

These target nerve pain signaling and often provide dramatic relief.

TRADITIONAL ORAL NSAIDs

  • Effective for some pets
  • Require liver/kidney monitoring
  • Used cautiously, especially in cats

➡️ Goal: lowest effective dose, combined with supplements.

STEP 7: ADDRESS SECONDARY & COMPENSATORY PAIN

Ask:

  • Is pain worse in one leg?
  • Is the spine now sore?
  • Is the “good” leg starting to fail?

If YES:

  • Adjust rehab plan
  • Support whole body, not just the original joint
  • This prevents arthritis spreading due to weight shifting

STEP 8: ADVANCED SUPPORT (WHEN FUNCTION DECLINES)

Consider adding:

  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Laser therapy

These are not cures — they are function-preserving tools.

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.

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 is not about “masking pain.”
It’s about protecting movement for the rest of your pet’s life.

This layered approach slows progression, reduces suffering, and preserves independence.

 

FINAL WORD FROM THE LONGEVITY VET

Arthritis does not mean the end of joy, movement, or quality of life.

When we treat arthritis early, comprehensively, and intelligently, pets:

  • Move more comfortably
  • Stay active longer
  • Avoid secondary injuries
  • Enjoy their senior years

Arthritis care isn’t about masking pain—it’s about protecting function for the rest of your pet’s life.