Arthritis, the pain is real!

Admin Team

Joint health is crucial for pets of all ages and breeds, as it plays a key role in their mobility, comfort and overall quality of life. One of the most common joint issues that pets face is arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.   


What causes arthritis? 

Arthritis is a condition that can affect pets of all ages and breeds. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, and wear and tear on the joints. Larger breeds of dogs are more prone to developing arthritis due to the increased stress on their joints. Additionally, pets who have suffered injuries or have chronic conditions that affect their joints, such as hip dysplasia, are also at an increased risk of developing arthritis. 


What are the signs of arthritis? 

Your pet may experience stiffness, limping, be reluctant to move, and have difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a lying position. In severe cases, pets may also experience weight loss, loss of appetite, and depression. 


Managing and preventing arthritis 

There are several ways to manage and prevent arthritis in pets. One of the most important is helping them maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight puts additional stress on their joints. Regular exercise is also crucial for keeping their joints flexible and strong. 


You can make improvements to your pet’s environment by making it more comfortable, such as providing soft bedding, a carpeted area, or a ramp to get to high areas, to make it easier for them to move around. 


There are also other issues that affect your pet’s joints, so it’s recommended you consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 


It’s important to be aware of the signs of arthritis and to take steps to manage the condition as early as possible. With the right treatment and management, pets with arthritis can continue to lead happy, active lives. 

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Important YVV Update

By Admin Team • February 17, 2026
Sadly, we have had some staff changes recently at Yass Valley Veterinary. After 3 years, Dr Issy Card has taken a small animal position in Canberra. Our recently married Dr Anne Cusack is relocating to Wagga for her husband’s work, and Dr Natalie Flew is also leaving us to work in an emergency afterhours clinic in Canberra with more suitable hours for her new family. We will all miss these three amiable, dedicated and competent veterinarians and wish them well in their future pursuits. Dr Stuart Williams, after almost 33 years at Yass Valley Veterinary (15 years as a partner with Dr Peter Gibbs and 15 years as sole principal), is resigning from his full-time position at the end of February. He is looking forward to having a break away from afterhours on call and managing a large staff across two hospitals. Working as a volunteer veterinarian in Australia and overseas, travelling with his wife Cath and spending some much needed time at home and in the garden, is on the agenda for Stuart in the short term. Dr Tamara Butler, who has been with the business for 17 years, will be promoted to the Lead Vet role when Stuart resigns. Dr Nicole McKenzie will take on the Tamara’s Veterinary Manager role, while Ms Carrie Luckie will retain the Practice Manager role. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and care that each of our departing veterinarians has given to our clients and patients, and their departures will mean a temporary change to our service availability. Be assured that we are actively and enthusiastically recruiting veterinarians to join our team. We’d like to introduce Dr Josh Tannen, a small animal veterinarian & surgeon, who will be with us until April. This experienced and easy-going locum will be very welcome by the team. However, in the short term, we will be operating with a smaller team, so there may be occasions where we are unable to provide the full range of services that are currently provided. What does this mean for you? • At times, we may need to rotate Saturday clinic closures. • There will be evenings or weekends when we do not have an after-hours veterinarian available. We will always do our best to keep you informed. Any changes to opening hours or services will be communicated via our social media pages and through notifications on the Yass Vet App. As always, if you require after-hours assistance when a veterinarian is not available, please call us on 6226 4444. Your call will be answered by a team of qualified nurses who will triage your situation and direct you to the closest appropriate emergency hospital if needed. We truly appreciate your understanding, patience, and ongoing support during this period of transition. Our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for your animals remains at the heart of everything we do.