TL;DR
- • Roughly 4 in 5 dogs over 8 show radiographic arthritis (RVC, 2023).
- • Monthly drug cost ranges from £15 (generic meloxicam) to £120 (Librela).
- • Combining weight loss, hydrotherapy and NSAIDs is the most cost-effective long-term plan.
- • The CMA's £21 prescription cap makes online ordering of NSAIDs worthwhile from month one.
Spotting it early — the cheapest intervention you'll ever make
Owners often mistake arthritis for "just getting old". Subtle early signs include:
- Stiffness for the first 5–10 minutes after rest
- Reluctance to jump into the car or onto the sofa
- Switching lead-side on walks, or shortening walks
- Slowing on stairs (down is harder than up)
- Behavioural change — snappy when touched on the hips
Catching arthritis at "early" stage typically halves lifetime treatment costs, because lower doses control symptoms and joint damage progresses more slowly.
Diagnosis costs in 2026
- Consultation & orthopaedic exam: £45–£75
- X-rays (sedated, 2–4 views): £180–£380
- Bloods (baseline before long-term NSAIDs): £80–£160
- CT/MRI referral (selective cases): £900–£1,800
Treatment costs compared (June 2026)
| Option | Practice price | Online + Rx |
|---|---|---|
| Meloxicam (Metacam / generic), 20kg dog | £25–£45/mo | £12–£22/mo |
| Librela injection (monthly) | £80–£130/dose | n/a |
| Gabapentin (adjunct) | £20–£40/mo | £8–£18/mo |
| Joint supplement (YuMOVE, Antinol) | £25–£40/mo | £18–£30/mo |
| Hydrotherapy (per session) | £30–£55 | — |
| Physio assessment | £60–£100 | — |
Where each option fits
Librela (bedinvetmab) is a monoclonal antibody that's transformed comfort in many older dogs — particularly those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs due to kidney or liver issues. NSAIDs remain first-line for most dogs and are dramatically cheaper. Gabapentin is a useful adjunct for neuropathic pain or "wind-up" pain. Hydrotherapy and weight loss are the only non-drug interventions with strong evidence in canine OA — and weight loss is essentially free.
Three things that save real money
- Get to ideal body condition. A 10% weight loss in overweight arthritic dogs delivers comparable pain reduction to a moderate NSAID dose (RVC studies).
- Use the £21 prescription cap. A 6-month Metacam prescription costs £21 in fees but saves £80–£140 over six months — see explainer.
- Bundle bloods with the booster. Long-term NSAID dogs need 6–12 monthly bloods; many practices discount when combined with vaccination.
FAQs
Is Librela actually better than Metacam?
It's different rather than universally better. Trials show comparable comfort scores — the choice is driven by tolerance, owner ability to medicate, and budget.
Do joint supplements work?
Evidence is strongest for omega-3 (EPA/DHA) at therapeutic doses and for green-lipped mussel extract. Cheap glucosamine-only products have limited evidence.
Can I use human ibuprofen?
No — it is toxic to dogs. Only use canine-licensed NSAIDs.
About the data: Cost ranges are derived from UK practice price lists and online pharmacies in June 2026.