Average cost
£800–£1400
Typical range
£600–£1800
Species
Dog & Cat
Category
Ongoing/Chronic
Anaesthesia
Not required
How much does arthritis management cost?
Arthritis Management typically costs £800–£1400 in the UK, though prices can range from £600 to £1800 depending on your location, the practice, and your pet's individual circumstances.
Costs are UK averages based on publicly available data. Actual prices vary by practice, location, and animal size.
What affects the price?
| Factor | Impact on cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pet size | Larger pets need higher drug doses, significantly increasing medication costs | Monthly NSAIDs for a cat (£20–£30) vs a Labrador (£40–£70) vs a Great Dane (£60–£100) |
| Medication type | Newer monoclonal antibody injections cost more than traditional anti-inflammatories | Daily meloxicam (£300–£500/year) vs monthly Librela/Solensia injections (£600–£1,200/year) |
| Complementary therapies | Hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture add to the annual cost | Hydrotherapy sessions at £30–£50 each, typically fortnightly (£700–£1,200/year) |
| Disease progression | More advanced arthritis requires more intensive (and expensive) multimodal management | Early-stage: diet and supplements (£600/year) vs advanced: multiple medications and therapies (£1,500–£1,800/year) |
What's included in the price?
- Regular veterinary check-ups (typically every 3–6 months)
- Ongoing prescription anti-inflammatory medication
- Joint supplements (e.g. glucosamine, omega-3)
- Weight management advice and monitoring
- Pain scoring and treatment adjustments
What to expect
Arthritis management is the long-term care of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) in dogs and cats. It is estimated that 80% of dogs over eight and 90% of cats over twelve have some degree of arthritis. Treatment aims to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and slow joint deterioration through a combination of anti-inflammatory medication, weight control, supplements, exercise modification, and sometimes physiotherapy.
When is it needed? Your pet may benefit from arthritis management if they are stiff after rest, reluctant to jump or climb stairs, slower on walks, licking at joints, or showing a change in temperament. In cats, signs are often subtle — reduced grooming, reluctance to jump onto surfaces, or house soiling. Your vet can confirm arthritis with a physical examination and X-rays.
