Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, yet remains undertreated due to difficulty recognising subtle pain signs and misconceptions that "slowing down" is normal ageing. Modern multi-modal management significantly improves quality of life.
OA involves progressive degradation of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone changes, and osteophyte formation. It causes chronic nociceptive and neuropathic pain, central sensitisation, and progressive functional decline. Any joint can be affected; hips, elbows, stifles, and lumbosacral junction are most commonly affected in dogs. OA is not purely a mechanical disease—inflammatory mediators, neurological changes, and psychosocial factors all contribute to pain experience.
Dogs mask pain through evolutionary survival instincts. Owner-reported signs include: reluctance to climb stairs, jump into vehicles, or get onto furniture; reduced walk duration or willingness; stiffness after rest (especially in cold weather); reduced playing; altered sleep patterns; and behavioural changes (grumpiness, withdrawal). Validated owner-reported outcome measures (LOAD, Helsinki Chronic Pain Index) provide systematic welfare monitoring tools that enable pre-treatment versus post-treatment comparison.
Adipose tissue is metabolically active—releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (adipokines) that directly worsen joint inflammation and pain. Achieving and maintaining lean body condition (BCS 4-5/9) is among the most welfare-impactful interventions for arthritic dogs. Studies show that weight loss alone produces significant lameness improvement in overweight dogs with hip OA. Weight management before other therapies maximises overall treatment impact.
Bedinvetmab (Librela) is a canine-specific monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a key mediator of OA pain sensitisation. Monthly subcutaneous injections have demonstrated significant pain reduction in clinical trials, with effects maintained over time. As a targeted pain therapy without NSAID-related adverse effects, it represents a major advance for dogs where long-term NSAID use creates health concerns (renal disease, GI sensitivity).
Canine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy provide pain-free exercise maintaining muscle mass, joint range of motion, and proprioception. Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill, swimming pool) eliminates joint loading while enabling cardiovascular exercise and muscle strengthening. Land physiotherapy uses therapeutic exercises, massage, and manual therapy to address specific joint and muscle issues. Qualified canine rehabilitation practitioners develop individualised treatment plans.
Home environment modification reduces daily pain burden: orthopedic memory foam bedding with appropriate support; raised food and water bowls reducing neck and back loading; ramps or steps to reduce joint-loading jumps; non-slip flooring throughout; baby gates preventing access to stairs dogs cannot safely navigate. These adaptations cost little but meaningfully reduce daily pain experiences for arthritic dogs.