Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (especially senior or large breed dogs; obesity and orthopedic injuries increase risk)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and development of new bone around joints. It often results from wear-and-tear or secondary to joint abnormalities (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, etc.). As cartilage thins and loses its cushioning, joints become stiff and painful. OA is extremely common in older dogs – most senior dogs have some degree of arthritis.

• Signs of arthritis include stiffness and lameness
• which may be worse after rest or in cold weather and improve with gentle activity. Dogs may be slow to rise from lying down or reluctant to climb stairs or jump into the car. They might tire more quickly on walks and show decreased interest in exercise or play. You may notice muscle wasting in affected limbs due to disuse. Some dogs become irritable or whine when touched in certain areas
• indicating chronic pain. Arthritic joints might be thickened or have reduced range of motion on exam.

While osteoarthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed to improve a dog’s comfort and mobility. Weight management is crucial – keeping an arthritic dog slim greatly reduces joint strain. Regular, low-impact exercise (like leash walks or swimming) helps maintain muscle without over-stressing joints. Vets often prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation, which dramatically improves many dogs’ quality of life. Other pain control measures include analgesics like gabapentin or amantadine, and newer therapies such as injectable monoclonal antibody treatment for OA pain (bedinvetmab). Supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids) or diets formulated for joint health may be recommended. Physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, or laser therapy can also benefit some dogs.

NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed medications for canine arthritis – examples include carprofen, meloxicam, firocoxib, or deracoxib – which can significantly alleviate pain and inflammation in the joints. Additional medications often used in combination are gabapentin (for neuropathic pain modulation) and amantadine (NMDA-antagonist for chronic pain). A monthly injectable called Librela (bedinvetmab, available in some regions) is a monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor to provide pain relief for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3s) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injections (e.g., Adequan) are used to support cartilage health and may slow progression.