Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Canine Joint Disease Management

Joint disease including osteoarthritis and elbow dysplasia affects millions of dogs, with 2026 bringing improved pain management and rehabilitation options.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20% of adult dogs and 80% of dogs over 10
Joint disease causes chronic pain often unrecognised by owners
Multimodal pain management including NSAIDs, gabapentin, and grapiprant improves outcomes
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy maintain muscle mass and reduce joint loading
Weight management is the single most effective intervention for arthritic dogs

Welfare Considerations

Joint pain in dogs is pervasive and undertreated. Modern multimodal pain management and rehabilitation significantly improve quality of life for affected animals.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment if your dog shows signs of reduced activity or stiffness
Maintain healthy body weight to reduce joint loading and pain
Explore physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as adjuncts to pain medication