Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs causes painful inflammation in multiple joints simultaneously, requiring long-term immunosuppressive treatment and welfare monitoring.
IMPA causes severe multi-joint pain that affects the entire body simultaneously — unlike localised osteoarthritis, every movement can be painful. Dogs may be reluctant to walk, climb stairs, or even stand. High fever adds to the welfare burden through malaise, anorexia, and metabolic distress. The acute phase of IMPA before treatment initiation is a period of intense welfare compromise. Treatment response is often rapid and dramatic — prednisolone typically produces significant improvement within 48-72 hours, representing a major welfare benefit. Long-term welfare monitoring involves managing prednisolone side effects (weight gain, polyuria/polydipsia, behavioural changes) and monitoring for relapse. Validated pain assessment tools help distinguish treatment success from dose under-estimation. Some dogs achieve disease remission; others require lifelong treatment.