Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease in dogs, affecting an estimated 20% of adult dogs and over 80% of dogs over 8 years. Chronic joint pain profoundly affects quality of life, but multimodal management achieves meaningful welfare improvements in most affected dogs.
Pathophysiology
OA involves progressive degradation of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone remodelling, and osteophyte (bone spur) formation. It may be primary (idiopathic, age-related) or secondary to developmental conditions — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate disease, or osteochondrosis. Inflammation and sensitisation of joint nerves cause the pain and functional limitation characteristic of OA.
Recognising Pain in Dogs with OA
Dogs rarely vocalise from chronic pain — instead showing subtle behavioural changes that owners may attribute to "getting old":
- Reluctance to rise, particularly after rest
- Reduced activity and exercise tolerance
- Stiffness after exertion ("warm-up" period)
- Difficulty on stairs, jumping into car or onto furniture
- Changes in gait — shortened stride, head bob with forelimb lameness
- Behavioural changes — increased irritability, reluctance to be touched
Validated chronic pain assessment tools (CBPI, LOAD) help owners quantify pain impact systematically.
Multimodal Management
NSAIDs: The cornerstone of OA management. Licensed canine NSAIDs (meloxicam, carprofen, grapiprant, robenacoxib) significantly reduce pain and improve function. Long-term use requires periodic monitoring of hepatic and renal function. Gastrointestinal effects are the most common side effect.
Anti-NGF monoclonal antibody (bedinvetmab/Librela): Monthly injection targeting nerve growth factor (a key pain mediator); significant advance in OA management; particularly valuable for dogs not tolerating NSAIDs.
Joint supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) have anti-inflammatory evidence. Green-lipped mussel extract, glucosamine, and chondroitin have weaker evidence but are widely used.
Weight management: Each kilogram of excess body weight increases joint loading significantly — weight reduction in overweight OA dogs is among the most impactful welfare interventions available.
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: Strengthening periarticular muscles, maintaining range of motion, and improving proprioception reduce functional disability. Underwater treadmill therapy is particularly effective.
Environmental modifications: Ramps for vehicle and furniture access; non-slip flooring; raised food and water bowls; orthopaedic bedding.
Surgical Options
Total hip replacement, tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (for cruciate disease), and elbow dysplasia surgeries address underlying structural causes and significantly improve welfare when indicated. These are specialist procedures requiring referral to orthopaedic surgeons.