Costs of osteoarthritis in dogs: What each treatment really costs
Your dog has osteoarthritis. The vet has confirmed it. And now you’re sitting there with a prescription in your hand, wondering: what’s in store for me? Not just today – but every month, every year, for the rest of his life.
You’re not alone. Most dog owners are shocked when they work out the total cost of osteoarthritis treatment for the first time. We’re doing that for you here – honestly, transparently, without sugar-coating anything.
In a nutshell
- Depending on the method, osteoarthritis treatment costs between 20 and 5,000 euros – per year
- Medicines such as Metacam or Librela can quickly add up to 600–1,800 euros a year
- One-off treatments such as gold implants or stem cell therapy cost 1,500–5,000 euros
- Natural joint supplements are among the most affordable options, costing around 25–35 euros a month
- The best strategy often combines several approaches – we’ll show you what’s really worth it
How much does osteoarthritis in dogs really cost?
The honest answer: it depends. But ‘it depends’ doesn’t really help you. That’s why we’ve broken down all the common treatments with realistic costs.
What many people don’t realise: osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. That means you don’t pay just once – you pay for the long term. A medicine that costs 50 euros a month adds up to 3,000 euros over 5 years. That puts things into perspective.
Diagnosis: How much does it actually cost to diagnose?
Before treatment begins, you need a diagnosis. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial examination at the vet’s: 30–60 euros
- X-ray (2 images): 80–150 euros
- Blood test: 40–80 euros
- CT/MRI (if findings are unclear): 300–600 euros
Typical diagnostic costs: 150–300 euros. Up to 700 euros for complex cases.
The big cost comparison: all treatments at a glance
1. Painkillers (NSAIDs): Metacam, Previcox & Co.
The standard treatment prescribed by most vets. Takes effect quickly, but is not without risk.
- Metacam (meloxicam): 15–30 euros per month
- Previcox (Firocoxib): 30–60 euros per month
- Onsior (Robenacoxib): 40–70 euros per month
Annual cost: 180–840 euros
NSAIDs put a strain on the liver and kidneys. Regular blood tests (approx. 40–80 euros every 3–6 months) are also required. In the long term, the side effects can lead to further costs.
2. Librela (Bedinvetmab) – The monthly injection
Librela has been the talk of the town in osteoarthritis treatment since 2023. It is an antibody that blocks pain signals.
- Per injection: 60–120 euros (depending on weight)
- Frequency: Monthly
- Vet’s appointment : an additional 20–30 euros per visit
Annual cost: 960–1,800 euros
Librela relieves pain but does not treat the underlying cause. Your dog will feel better, but the joints will continue to deteriorate. Some dogs experience side effects such as urinary tract infections or skin problems. And: if you stop treatment, the pain will return.
3. Gold implants
Small pieces of gold wire are implanted into the affected joints under anaesthesia. The idea is to provide long-term pain relief without medication.
- One-off cost: 1,500–3,000 euros (depending on the number of joints)
- Anaesthesia and aftercare: Included in the price
- Ongoing costs: Minimal (possibly a check-up after 6 weeks)
Annual costs (calculated over 5 years): 300–600 euros
There is little research available. Some dogs respond very well, others not at all. There are vets who swear by it – and others who consider it hocus-pocus. A gamble costing 2,000+ euros.
4. Stem cell therapy
The most modern and expensive option. The dog’s own stem cells are harvested, processed and injected into the joint.
- One-off cost: 3,000–5,000 euros
- Booster treatment (possibly after 1–2 years): 1,500–2,500 euros
- Preliminary examinations: 200–400 euros
Annual cost (calculated over 3 years): 1,000–2,500 euros
Promising results, but not yet standard practice. Not every vet offers this treatment. The effects do not last forever – many dogs need a booster treatment after 1–2 years.
5. Surgery (joint replacement, arthroscopy)
Surgery may be necessary in cases of severe osteoarthritis. This is particularly true for hip dysplasia (total hip replacement) or elbow problems.
- Arthroscopy: 800–1,500 euros
- Hip replacement (TEP): 2,500–5,000 euros per hip
- Aftercare, rehabilitation, physiotherapy: 500–1,500 euros
Annual costs (calculated over 5 years): 660–1,300 euros
Surgery is not a ‘reset button’. Physiotherapy afterwards is essential – and costs extra. Furthermore, osteoarthritis in other joints remains unaffected.
6. Physiotherapy
Often underestimated, but hugely effective. Especially when combined with other treatments.
- Per session: 30–70 euros
- Recommended: 1–2 times a week initially, then every 2–4 weeks
Annual cost: 400–1,200 euros
7. Natural joint supplements
Dietary supplements containing green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. These support cartilage regeneration and have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Per month: 20–35 euros (e.g. Veddelholzer joint tablets approx. 26 euros)
- No need to visit the vet
- No side effects when taken at the correct dosage
Annual cost: 240–420 euros
Joint tablets are not painkillers – they do not work immediately. You’ll need to be patient for 4–8 weeks. However, they tackle the root cause: they provide your dog with the building blocks its body needs for healthy cartilage. In the long term, this is the gentlest and often the most cost-effective option.
What’s really worth it? The honest calculation
Let’s work this out over 3 years for a medium-sized dog (25 kg):
- Metacam long-term: approx. 900 euros + blood tests (~300 euros) = 1,200 euros
- Librela long-term: approx. 3,600 euros + vet visits (~540 euros) = 4,140 euros
- Gold implants (one-off): approx. 2,000 euros = 2,000 euros
- Stem cell therapy: approx. 4,000 euros + booster treatment (~2,000 euros) = 6,000 euros
- Joint tablets (long-term): approx. 940 euros = 940 euros
- Physiotherapy + joint tablets: approx. 940 + 1,800 euros = 2,740 euros
Joint tablets are the most cost-effective long-term solution. The best combination for most dogs? Joint tablets as a daily base plus physiotherapy as required. This covers both cartilage regeneration and mobility – without putting a strain on the liver or kidneys.
What most owners end up doing
The reality is often this: you start with painkillers from the vet (because the dog needs help straight away), supplemented with joint tablets to support cartilage regeneration, and then gradually try to reduce the medication.
Many manage to get by in the long term with natural support alone – especially if the osteoarthritis was detected early. Others need to add a painkiller during flare-ups. Both approaches are perfectly fine.
The point is: you don’t have to choose the most expensive option to help your dog. Often, a combination of a good diet, appropriate exercise and high-quality joint tablets is more effective and sustainable than any single treatment.
When to see the vet?
Costs aside – your dog needs to see the vet in these situations:
- Sudden severe limping (worsening overnight)
- Swollen, hot joints (signs of acute inflammation)
- Your dog won’t get up or is refusing food
- Side effects from medication (vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in the stools)
- Initial diagnosis – always have osteoarthritis confirmed by a vet
Don’t skimp on the diagnosis. Skimp on treatments that don’t work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs cost per month?
Depending on the method, between 20 and 150 euros a month. Joint tablets cost 20–35 euros, Metacam 15–30 euros, and Librela 80–150 euros. On top of this come vet visits and any blood tests.
Does dog insurance cover osteoarthritis treatment?
That depends on your policy. Most dog health insurance policies only cover osteoarthritis if it is not considered a pre-existing condition. Check your policy terms – some plans exclude “degenerative conditions” entirely. Dietary supplements are rarely reimbursed.
Which is cheaper: Librela or joint tablets?
Joint tablets are significantly cheaper. Librela costs 960–1,800 euros per year, whilst joint tablets cost 240–420 euros. However, they work differently: Librela is a painkiller, whilst joint tablets support cartilage regeneration. Many owners use both at the same time and then gradually reduce the dose of Librela.
Are gold implants worth it for dogs?
Gold implants cost between 1,500 and 3,000 euros as a one-off payment. If they work, they are cheaper in the long run than monthly medication. The problem is that there is little research available, and they have no effect at all on some dogs. Speak to an experienced vet and find out about success rates before you invest.
When should I start giving my dog joint tablets?
Ideally, as a preventative measure from the age of 5–6 years for large breeds, and from 7–8 years for small breeds. The earlier you start building up cartilage, the longer the joints will remain healthy. If osteoarthritis has already been diagnosed: start immediately. The costs are low, and the risk is virtually zero.
Can I claim the cost of treating osteoarthritis on my tax return?
Veterinary costs are generally not tax-deductible in Germany – unless your dog is a working dog (e.g. a therapy dog with official certification). Dietary supplements are not included either.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.