When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?

Contact Your Veterinarian Promptly If Your Pet:

• 🐾

  Suddenly Refuses to Bear Weight on a Leg

  A pet that suddenly holds a leg completely off the ground may have more than a simple arthritis flare-up.

  This could indicate:

  • A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear
  • A fracture
  • A dislocation
  • A severe soft tissue injury
  • A painful nail or paw injury

  While arthritis can cause limping, complete non-weight-bearing lameness deserves prompt evaluation.

• ⚠️

  Cries Out in Pain

  A sudden yelp, cry, or scream during normal movement isn't typical of stable arthritis.

  This could signal:

  • A spinal injury
  • A slipped disc (IVDD)
  • A ligament injury
  • A fracture
  • Severe joint pain

  Any sudden vocalization associated with movement should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

• 🦴

  Develops a Swollen Joint

  Arthritic joints may become mildly enlarged over time, but rapid swelling is different.

  A swollen joint can be caused by:

  • Infection
  • Immune-mediated joint disease
  • Trauma
  • Bleeding into the joint
  • Certain cancers

  Rapid swelling should never be ignored.

• 🚑

  Suddenly Can't Stand or Walk

  If your pet suddenly collapses, can't rise, or loses the ability to walk, this is an emergency.

  Possible causes include:

  • Neurologic disease
  • Spinal injury
  • Severe orthopedic injury
  • Tick paralysis (in some regions)
  • Serious systemic illness

  Immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended.

• 🍽️

  Stops Eating Because They're Painful

  Pain affects more than mobility.

  If your pet is reluctant to stand to eat, cries while moving toward the food bowl, or loses interest in food because movement is painful, their arthritis may no longer be adequately controlled.

  A change in appetite should always prompt a conversation with your veterinarian.

• 📉

  Seems Much Worse Than Yesterday

  Arthritis usually changes gradually.

  If your pet experiences a dramatic decline over 24 to 48 hours, it's worth investigating.

  Your veterinarian can determine whether you're dealing with an arthritis flare-up or an entirely different condition.

• 🩺

  Begins Having Accidents Along With Weakness

  If your pet suddenly develops:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Weakness
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Loss of bowel control

  particularly when these signs occur together, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

  These symptoms can indicate serious spinal or neurologic disease and require prompt evaluation.