Companion Animals

Companion Dog Arthritis Early Detection

Detecting osteoarthritis early in dogs to enable intervention before significant welfare compromise occurs.

Key Facts

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20% of dogs over one year old
Early signs are subtle and often dismissed as aging or laziness by owners
Force plate gait analysis and thermal imaging can detect lameness before clinical signs are obvious
C-reactive protein and other biomarkers show promise for early detection in research settings
Early intervention with NSAIDs and weight management significantly slows progression

Welfare Considerations

Osteoarthritis is a progressive welfare problem that causes increasing pain over time. Early detection enables intervention before significant welfare compromise occurs, potentially preventing years of chronic pain. Owner education about early signs is a critical welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Monitor your dog for subtle early arthritis signs including difficulty rising or reduced jumping
Discuss pain assessment as part of your dog's annual wellness exam
Maintain healthy body weight in your dog to reduce joint loading and arthritis progression