Managing Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats
Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease that causes intermittent discomfort and persistent pain as cartilage thins toward bone-on-bone contact.
Dogs with OA often compensate with altered posture and gait, reduced range of motion, and activity avoidance, leading to secondary effects such as muscle atrophy, weight gain, and behavior changes.
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight gain due to lower activity
- Behavior changes, such as reluctance to play
Overall, OA erodes a dog's ability to perform normal daily functions and diminishes quality of life for both patient and owner.
This article reviews surgical management options for terminal OA in the hip, stifle, and elbow joints, while also highlighting the importance of medical management, including:
- Activity modulation
- Professional physical rehabilitation
- Weight optimization
- Medication, including systemic and locally administered drugs
OA steadily erodes a dog’s ability to perform normal daily functions and diminishes quality of life for both patient and owner.
Author's summary: Managing osteoarthritis in dogs requires a comprehensive approach.