Companion Animals

Dog Senior Hip Arthritis Management

Hip dysplasia-related arthritis in senior dogs requires multimodal pain management to maintain quality of life through the golden years.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia frequently progresses to painful arthritis in affected dogs over age 7
Multimodal management combines NSAIDs, Librela (bedinvetmab), physiotherapy, and weight control
Hydrotherapy maintains muscle mass and joint health with minimal pain
Radiographic assessment guides treatment escalation and monitors progression
Total hip replacement restores normal anatomy in carefully selected dogs

Welfare Considerations

Senior hip arthritis causes progressive chronic pain that gradually reduces mobility and quality of life. Early, proactive multimodal management maintains quality of life for longer than single-agent approaches. The goal is maintaining the dog's ability to enjoy daily activities - walking, playing, interacting - for as many years as possible.

What You Can Do

Assess hip arthritis pain regularly using validated pain scales
Discuss Librela as a newer targeted treatment option with your vet
Invest in hydrotherapy to maintain muscle strength supporting arthritic joints