While canine osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, many cases go undiagnosed or are diagnosed late in the disease
process after significant joint damage has occurred.1 Allowing the functional and structural changes associated with canine OA to
occur is doing a great disservice to the patient. The joint degradation of OA is incurable and early intervention to disrupt the
progressive cycle of the multidimensional joint deterioration is the most effective way to manage OA.2
Currently, greater than 50% of canine arthritis cases are diagnosed in dogs aged between 8–13 years.3 And, even though advancing age,
increasing bodyweight and obesity contribute to the progression and severity of OA, this high percentage of older age diagnosis is a
concern, given the known link between OA and the developmental of orthopedic disease in younger dogs.2
A good first step in rethinking the approach is to consider mobility as a vital sign. Looking for early signs of a problem can help
to proactively identify and address canine OA and or degenerative joint disease early in the process. Consider putting protocols in
place to screen for or discuss OA at every patient visit.