Any living thing with bones and joints can get arthritis. Osteoarthritis is irritation of the joints and is a painful and common disease among dogs. I usually diagnose it in middle-aged to older dogs or even in younger dogs that have sustained an orthopedic injury earlier in life.
Osteoarthritis can occur from normal wear and tear on the joints, excessive repetitive motion (like racing Greyhounds), or an old injury. Active dogs and working dogs are certainly at risk, but any dog can suffer from this common condition. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by physical exam findings and radiographic evidence to attempt to stage severity.
Unlike immune-mediated arthritis or infectious arthritis, osteoarthritis is classed as a non-inflammatory process, but the truth is that inflammatory chemicals (mediators) are released in these cases. The response to anti-inflammatory drugs supports this clinically in my practice.
Osteoarthritis can be managed, and the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, minimize the continued damage to the cartilage, and preserve the remaining cartilage. It is not curable or reversible at this time. My primary goal is restoring and maintaining the quality of life for OA sufferers. Many veterinarians suggest a “multi-modal” approach to pain. This means that any pain management plan should address as many parts of the pain process as is possible.
Body Weight
Not only have there been studies that prove that normal weight dogs live longer than their overweight counterparts, but also reducing body weight will reduce the pressure placed on his/her joints. Your pet should have a waist when viewed from the side and above, and you should be able to feel its ribs when you press on its sides. If you find that you have to press really hard or you have to use your imagination to know where the ribs are, he is too big. This is a difficult issue, and we all know that we feel terrible to deny our friends, but if we know that it will help him to live longer and better, it is easier. Ask your vet to give you advice on how much your dog should be fed.
Exercise
People think that arthritis sufferers should not exercise, but we have found the opposite to be true. Low-impact exercise, like walking or swimming, can help build up the muscle strength to distribute the load on the joints. I tell all my clients to get their dogs moving and outside if possible. It is great for the pets and the people. Your dog will have a better sleep cycle, better behavior, and it will enhance your bond in so many ways to get out together every day. Physical therapy is another form of exercise that has restored quality of life for many of my patients. You want to choose a licensed veterinary therapist, but this safe addition to the protocols can be a life saver. The only limitations here are cost and convenience.
Non-prescription supplements
Disease-modifying therapies include things like glucosamine, chondroitin, and many others. These agents are aimed at preserving the integrity of the cartilage and slowing the damage to it. Different dogs will respond differently to these agents, but they are usually safe and sometimes effective. They may be worth adding to your dog’s protocol. Be advised that these agents are not FDA-regulated, so you want to be sure to choose the products that your vet specifically recommends, as there is no regulation on quality or proof of efficacy.
Let your veterinarian guide you to the products that he/she has seen success with in our patients. These types of supplements are commonly reported for accidental ingestion to Poison Control centers, so be sure they are stored out of reach. They are designed to be a supplemental therapy and will not be as effective if given alone, but in many cases, I am able to reduce the amount of other medications that I need to restore quality of life with these.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
In my patients, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are often effective. There are many options, and the response is individual. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose by using other therapies in conjunction with them. They are not without their side effects and tend to be costly. These drugs are prescription only and do require a veterinarian relationship.
Latest Advances in Treatment
In the last decade, new therapies have expanded the options for managing canine arthritis:
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (mAbs):
One of the biggest breakthroughs has been injectable monoclonal antibody treatments (such as Librela®, bedinvetmab), which specifically target nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of pain signaling. These injections are given monthly at the veterinary clinic and have been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve mobility with minimal side effects.
Regenerative Medicine:
Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are now being used in some practices. These treatments aim to support healing and regeneration inside the joint, though availability and cost vary, and research is ongoing.
Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy:
Class IV laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have become more widely used as non-invasive options to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate healing in painful joints.
Improved Joint Injections:
Hyaluronic acid injections and other intra-articular therapies are being refined to directly lubricate and protect the joint, much like options used in human medicine.
Expanded Use of Cannabinoid Products:
Broad-spectrum hemp-derived CBD oils and treats have become common adjunct therapies, with many owners and veterinarians reporting improvements in pain relief and overall comfort. While studies are still emerging, this has become a valuable tool in multi-modal care.
If your dog seems to feel stiff or slow these days or you notice actual lameness, osteoarthritis might be the culprit. Just because the condition is incurable does not mean that we are powerless against it, and the symptoms can be managed and reduced. Addressing the ailments often seen in aging pets can help ensure that their golden years are truly the best time of their lives.
Toledo, United States.