Canine Osteoarthritis: Managing Chronic Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20-25% of dogs, causing chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life and is frequently under-recognised and under-treated in veterinary practice.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, affecting 1 in 4-5 individuals
Large and giant breeds are most commonly affected, but OA occurs across all sizes and ages
Clinical signs include reduced activity, stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump, and behavioural changes
Dogs hide pain instinctively, meaning owners and vets frequently underestimate disease severity
NSAIDs remain the cornerstone of medical management; newer treatments include anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies
Weight management is among the most effective interventions — each 1kg lost significantly reduces joint load
Multimodal approaches combining physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, analgesia, and environmental modification are most effective

Welfare Considerations

Canine osteoarthritis is a major welfare issue precisely because it is so common and so frequently undertreated. Dogs in chronic pain often become withdrawn, less playful, and reluctant to exercise — behaviours owners may attribute to ageing rather than pain. The insidious onset means dogs may suffer for months or years before appropriate analgesia is initiated. Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (such as bedinvetmab) represent a significant advance — monthly injections provide sustained pain relief without the gastrointestinal side-effects of NSAIDs. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy strengthen muscles supporting arthritic joints, while environmental modifications — ramps, orthopedic beds, non-slip surfaces — reduce daily pain triggers. Early intervention prevents disease progression.

What You Can Do

Use validated pain assessment tools (e.g., Liverpool OA in Dogs scale) to monitor your dog annually
Begin NSAIDs or anti-NGF therapy promptly when OA is diagnosed rather than waiting for severe signs
Maintain healthy body weight — this is the single most impactful lifestyle intervention
Provide orthopedic bedding, ramps to furniture, and non-slip flooring for arthritic dogs
Ask your vet about physiotherapy and hydrotherapy referral for chronic OA management