Companion Animals

Companion Dog Joint Pain Early Detection

Osteoarthritis begins developing in many dogs from middle age, and early detection enables management that prevents severe welfare impairment.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects 80% of dogs over 8 years old
Early signs including reduced activity are often attributed to normal aging
NSAID and joint supplement treatment significantly improves mobility and quality of life
Imaging can detect articular changes before clinical signs appear in predisposed breeds

Welfare Considerations

Chronic joint pain is the most common source of pain in older dogs and is systematically undertreated due to normalization of aging-related changes. Dogs with unmanaged arthritis suffer daily from chronic pain that reduces mobility, play, and positive interactions.

What You Can Do

Recognize reduced activity and stiffness as pain signals rather than normal aging
Request arthritis screening for dogs over 7 years at annual visits
Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint loading throughout life
Discuss multimodal pain management including medication, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy