When your dog struggles to stand up in the morning or your cat stops jumping to their favorite perch, it can be easy to chalk it up to “just getting older.” But that kind of pain and stiffness often has a name: arthritis. Formally called osteoarthritis, this progressive joint condition affects millions of pets across the country, and the American Veterinary Medical Association notes that earlier diagnosis and treatment are pivotal to managing both the pain and the progression of the disease. Without proper care, the discomfort compounds over time, gradually stealing your pet’s quality of life in ways you might not immediately notice.
At Montgomery Veterinary Hospital, we take a thorough, hands-on approach to identifying and managing arthritis in dogs and cats throughout Montgomery, NY and the surrounding Orange County communities. Our veterinary orthopedic services provide the kind of personalized care your pet deserves — not a rushed exam with generic recommendations, but a real conversation about what your individual animal needs to stay comfortable and mobile. Dr. Melissa Grech-Attard, DVM, has built this practice on the belief that every pet owner deserves to understand exactly what is happening with their pet and why.
Arthritis does not always announce itself with obvious limping or dramatic changes. In many pets, the condition develops gradually, and the signs can be subtle enough to miss without knowing what to look for. Dogs with arthritis commonly show hesitation to climb stairs, jump into vehicles, or get on furniture they once loved, as well as stiffness after rest, visible slowing on walks, licking or guarding certain joints, and changes in posture or gait.
Cats are notoriously private about pain, which makes arthritis even harder to spot. You may notice your cat sliding partway down a surface rather than leaping, hesitating before jumping, sleeping more, grooming less, or becoming more reclusive. These behavioral shifts often point to joint discomfort rather than mood changes. If any of these signs sound familiar, it is worth bringing your pet in for an evaluation sooner rather than later. We offer in-house diagnostic testing that lets us evaluate the extent of joint changes without sending you elsewhere.
A proper arthritis diagnosis requires more than a visual observation. We start with a thorough physical examination to assess joint mobility, range of motion, pain responses, and overall posture. Our in-house imaging lets us evaluate the extent of joint changes without sending you to an outside facility. Early diagnosis matters — the sooner we identify arthritis, the more options we have for managing it effectively and slowing its progression.
Managing arthritis is not a one-size-fits-all process. We build individualized treatment plans based on your pet’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and how advanced the joint changes are. Anti-inflammatory medications remain one of the most effective tools for reducing joint pain and improving daily comfort. We discuss which options are appropriate for your pet and monitor for any side effects over time. Nutritional supplements that support joint health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may also be recommended as part of a broader management plan.
One of the most meaningful tools we offer is laser therapy for advanced pain management. This non-invasive treatment uses targeted light energy to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and promote healing in affected tissues. Laser therapy can be especially valuable for pets who have difficulty tolerating medications or who need additional relief between other treatments. It is performed in-house and is a service Dr. Melissa invested in early because few practices in the area offered it.
Extra body weight places additional stress on already-compromised joints. Part of our arthritis management approach includes honest guidance on diet, appropriate low-impact exercise, and environmental modifications that make your pet’s daily life more comfortable. In cases where other treatments are not providing adequate relief, surgical options may be discussed as part of a longer-term plan. We will always be straightforward with you about what can be managed here versus what may require a specialist referral.
What sets our approach apart is not just the services we offer — it is the way we care. Dr. Melissa Grech-Attard has spent years building a practice where no concern goes unaddressed and no owner leaves without understanding their pet’s condition. She considers education a core part of every appointment. When you come to us with a pet who is struggling with arthritis, you will leave with a clear picture of what is happening, why, and what to do about it.
We are also one of the few practices in the area that offers house calls for pets who find travel stressful or painful. For a dog or cat with significant joint discomfort, avoiding the anxiety of a clinic visit can itself contribute to better outcomes. Montgomery Veterinary Hospital has been serving the Orange County community since 1989, and our Fear Free certified team is here to make every visit as low-stress as possible for your pet.
Montgomery Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive arthritis evaluation and management for pets throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley. Our goal is to identify joint conditions as early as possible, provide accurate diagnoses, and develop practical treatment plans that maximize your pet’s comfort and mobility. The following services are available at our Montgomery, NY practice.
Same-day appointments are often available, and we welcome pets from Montgomery, Walden, Newburgh, Middletown, and surrounding Orange County communities.
Because pets hide pain so effectively, arthritis is frequently missed until it has progressed significantly. Knowing the early warning signs can help you bring your pet in for evaluation before their condition becomes more difficult to manage. If you notice any of the following in your dog or cat, contact Montgomery Veterinary Hospital to schedule an evaluation.
Early evaluation gives us the most options for managing your pet’s arthritis and protecting their long-term comfort and mobility.
We evaluate and manage arthritis in dogs and cats at Montgomery Veterinary Hospital, including osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, and musculoskeletal changes associated with aging or developmental conditions. For cases requiring orthopedic surgery by a board-certified specialist, our doctors will discuss referral options with you directly.
Yes. Montgomery Veterinary Hospital offers house call services, which is a unique option in the Orange County area. For pets whose arthritis or mobility challenges make clinic visits difficult or painful, a house call may be a practical alternative for follow-up care and ongoing management. Contact us to discuss whether this is appropriate for your pet.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. We also offer CareCredit financing to help make arthritis care accessible. We offer discounts for seniors, military, commuters, and multi-pet households. Reach out through our contact form to schedule an evaluation for your pet.
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