Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Long-Term Management
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in dogs. It is a progressive condition involving the whole joint, including cartilage, bone, the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues.
Although osteoarthritis cannot currently be cured, appropriate long-term management can significantly improve comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Management is usually multimodal, meaning several different approaches are combined according to the individual dog's needs.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Healthy joints contain smooth cartilage that allows opposing bone surfaces to move against each other with very little friction.
With osteoarthritis, progressive changes develop within the joint. Cartilage becomes damaged, inflammation occurs and the underlying bone and surrounding tissues may also change.
These changes can result in chronic pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis can occur for several reasons. In many dogs it develops secondary to another joint problem rather than simply being caused by ageing.
Developmental Joint Disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar problems
- Other abnormalities of joint development
Previous Injury
- Cruciate ligament disease
- Joint fractures
- Previous orthopaedic trauma
- Joint instability
Contributing Factors
- Increasing age
- Excess body weight
- Joint conformation
- Previous joint surgery
- High repetitive joint loading
What Are the Signs of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis does not always cause an obvious limp. Dogs can develop subtle behavioural and mobility changes long before severe lameness is present.
- Stiffness after resting
- Difficulty getting up
- Reluctance to climb stairs
- Reduced willingness to jump
- Slower or shorter walks
- Limping or an altered gait
- Difficulty getting into the car
- Reduced interest in play
- Changes in sleeping position
- Irritability or reluctance to be touched
- Loss of muscle over affected limbs
How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a history and physical examination.
Your veterinary surgeon may assess the dog's gait, joint movement, muscle mass and areas of pain or stiffness.
Imaging such as radiography may be recommended to investigate the affected joints or identify an underlying orthopaedic condition.
The degree of change visible on an X-ray does not always correspond directly with the amount of discomfort experienced by an individual dog, so clinical assessment remains important.
How Is Osteoarthritis Managed?
There is rarely a single treatment that addresses every aspect of osteoarthritis.
Long-term management may include:
- Pain and inflammation management
- Weight optimisation
- Controlled exercise
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
- Environmental modifications
- Nutritional support
- Treatment of underlying orthopaedic disease where appropriate
NSAIDs for Osteoarthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually shortened to NSAIDs, are commonly used by veterinary surgeons to manage pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis.
Several NSAID active substances are authorised for veterinary use in dogs. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual animal, concurrent medical conditions, previous response to treatment and the prescribing veterinary surgeon's assessment.
Dogs receiving NSAIDs may require clinical review and blood testing, particularly during longer-term treatment or where other medical conditions are present.
Medicines that are routinely used by people may be unsuitable or dangerous for dogs. Pain relief should be selected specifically for the individual animal.
Less Frequent NSAID Dosing
Enflicoxib
Enflicoxib is an authorised veterinary NSAID active substance used for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
It differs from many traditional veterinary NSAIDs because authorised formulations are administered at longer dosing intervals rather than every day.
Whether this type of treatment is appropriate depends on the individual dog's medical history, other medications and veterinary assessment.
Injectable Osteoarthritis Treatment
Some osteoarthritis treatments are administered by injection rather than given orally.
Bedinvetmab
Bedinvetmab is a canine monoclonal antibody active substance authorised for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
It targets nerve growth factor, also known as NGF, which is involved in pain signalling.
Treatment is administered by a veterinary professional and requires ongoing assessment of the dog's response and overall health.
As with any prescription treatment, whether bedinvetmab is appropriate for an individual dog is a decision for the prescribing veterinary surgeon.
Weight Management
Maintaining an appropriate body weight is one of the most important components of long-term osteoarthritis management.
Excess body weight increases mechanical loading on already painful joints and can make movement more difficult.
Weight management should focus on maintaining appropriate body condition while preserving muscle mass.
For overweight dogs, gradual weight reduction can form an important part of the overall management plan.
Exercise for Dogs With Osteoarthritis
Complete inactivity is generally not desirable because regular movement helps maintain muscle strength, joint mobility and overall fitness.
The aim is usually consistent, controlled exercise rather than occasional intense activity.
Appropriate exercise may include:
- Regular controlled lead walks
- Several shorter walks rather than one very long walk
- Gradual increases in activity
- Rehabilitation exercises prescribed for the individual dog
- Hydrotherapy or swimming where appropriate
Sudden bursts of high-impact activity can sometimes worsen discomfort, particularly in dogs that are relatively inactive during the rest of the week.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation can be valuable parts of osteoarthritis management.
A rehabilitation programme may focus on:
- Maintaining joint range of motion
- Improving muscle strength
- Improving balance and coordination
- Maintaining functional movement
- Reducing compensatory movement patterns
The programme should be tailored to the individual dog's joints, mobility and underlying orthopaedic condition.
Nutritional and Joint Support
Nutritional support may form part of a broader osteoarthritis management plan.
Various nutritional ingredients are commonly used to support joint health, including:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Green-lipped mussel-derived ingredients
- Undenatured type II collagen
The evidence supporting different nutritional approaches varies, and these should be considered supportive rather than substitutes for appropriate veterinary assessment and pain management where required.
Making the Home Easier for an Arthritic Dog
Simple changes around the home can reduce unnecessary strain and help dogs remain independent.
Improve Grip
Non-slip mats or runners can help dogs that struggle on laminate, tile or wooden flooring.
Reduce Jumping
Ramps or steps can reduce the need to jump into cars or onto furniture.
Support Rest
Comfortable supportive bedding in an easily accessible location can make resting and rising easier.
Make Essentials Accessible
Food, water and sleeping areas should be easy to reach without unnecessary stairs or slippery surfaces.
Monitoring Osteoarthritis Over Time
Osteoarthritis is progressive, so treatment plans often need to change over time.
It can be useful to monitor practical measures of mobility rather than relying only on whether the dog appears to limp.
For example, consider whether your dog can:
- Rise from bed easily
- Walk the usual distance comfortably
- Climb stairs
- Get into the car
- Play normally
- Sleep comfortably
- Maintain normal toileting habits
Videos taken at home can also be useful because some dogs move differently within the veterinary clinic.
When Should an Arthritic Dog Be Reassessed?
Contact your veterinary practice if you notice:
- Sudden worsening of lameness
- Persistent deterioration in mobility
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Marked behavioural changes
- Loss of appetite or vomiting while receiving medication
- New weakness or neurological signs
- Reduced response to an established treatment plan
A sudden change should not automatically be assumed to be progression of arthritis because dogs with osteoarthritis can still develop unrelated injuries or illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can osteoarthritis be cured in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive condition and cannot currently be reversed completely. However, many dogs can maintain good comfort and mobility with appropriate long-term management.
Does arthritis always cause limping?
No. Some dogs show stiffness, reduced activity, difficulty rising or subtle behavioural changes rather than an obvious limp.
Should a dog with arthritis still exercise?
Usually yes. Appropriate controlled activity helps maintain muscle strength and mobility. The amount and type of exercise should be adapted to the individual dog.
What is bedinvetmab?
Bedinvetmab is a canine monoclonal antibody active substance authorised for alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It targets nerve growth factor involved in pain signalling.
What is enflicoxib?
Enflicoxib is an authorised veterinary NSAID active substance used to treat pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Do joint supplements replace pain medication?
Nutritional joint support should not be considered a replacement for veterinary assessment or prescribed pain management where these are required.