Osteoarthritis is extremely common in older dogs and frequently under-treated. Recognising pain signs and accessing appropriate multimodal management improves quality of life significantly.
Senior dog mobility welfare is severely impacted by under-recognition and under-treatment of osteoarthritis. Dogs evolved to mask pain, meaning many owners do not recognise the subtle behavioural signs including reduced activity, reluctance to climb stairs, and altered gait. Veterinary pain assessment using validated tools improves detection rates. Effective management requires a multimodal approach: NSAID analgesia, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, weight management, and environmental adaptations like ramps and orthopaedic bedding. New biologics targeting nerve growth factor offer promising additional pain control. Early intervention prevents secondary muscle loss and further functional decline.