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Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting dogs—especially as they age. But with the right care, dogs with OA can live comfortably and stay active. This guide walks you through causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and how pet insurance interacts with this condition.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition where the cartilage cushioning a joint wears down over time. That results in pain, inflammation, bone spurs, joint stiffness and limited mobility.
Unlike developmental joint issues (e.g. hip dysplasia), OA often appears later in life, though it can be accelerated by prior joint injury.
What Causes It?
Several risk factors contribute:
- Age — wear and tear over years strains joints
- Breed & genetics — large breeds or dogs with predispositions
- Obesity / excess weight — adds stress to joints
- Joint injury or trauma — previous ligament tears, fractures
- Conformation & anatomical strain — abnormal joint alignment or conformation
- Joint disease or developmental conditions — such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate rupture
Once the cartilage starts degrading, the joint environment becomes inflammatory, perpetuating the cycle of pain and further deterioration.
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
OA often develops slowly, so early signs can be subtle. Look for:
- Reluctance to rise, jump or climb stairs
- Limping or favouring a leg
- Stiffness after rest (e.g., first few steps in morning)
- Slower gait, shorter strides
- Change in behaviour — irritability, less play
- Joint swelling, heat or crepitus (joint noise)
- Decreased activity, muscle wasting
If you spot these in your dog, especially middle-aged or older ones, it’s worth a vet evaluation.
How OA Is Diagnosed
A vet will typically:
- Complete history & physical exam
Assess gait, palpate joints, check posture - Orthopaedic tests
Evaluate joint range of motion, pain response - Diagnostic imaging
- Radiographs (X-rays) — look for joint narrowing, osteophytes
- Sometimes CT / MRI for complex joints
- Supplemental diagnostics
- Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis)
- Blood tests to rule out infection or metabolic disease
Diagnosis helps rule out other causes of lameness (e.g. ligament tears, neurological issues, tumors).
Treatment & Management Options
There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can slow progression and improve quality of life:
Medications / Supplements
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — standard care
- Pain relief / analgesics — gabapentin, tramadol, etc.
- Joint supplements — glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids
- Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) where applicable
Physical Therapy & Lifestyle Adjustments
- Controlled walking / low-impact exercise (e.g., swimming)
- Weight control — keep your dog lean to reduce joint load
- Assistive devices — ramps, orthopedic beds, harnesses
- Physiotherapy, massage, heat/cold therapy
- Environmental modifications — non-slip flooring, rugs
Advanced & Surgical Options
- Joint injections (hyaluronic acid, steroids)
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or regenerative therapies
- Joint replacement or arthrodesis (in severe or specific cases, e.g. elbow, stifle)
- Corrective surgeries for associated conditions
Monitoring & Adjustment
- Regular follow-up exams
- Adjust medications as needed (for efficacy or side effects)
- Monitor for secondary conditions like muscle loss or spinal strain
Prognosis & What to Expect
Many dogs respond well and retain a good quality of life for years. Success depends on early diagnosis, consistent care, appropriate weight, and monitoring. Dogs with severe or multi-joint involvement may require ongoing adjustments.
How Pet Insurance Plays a Role
Because OA is often a chronic condition with long-term treatment, it can become expensive. With a solid dog insurance plan, you may be able to claim:
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT)
- Prescription medications and pain relief
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation under certain policies
- Surgical interventions if they become necessary
When comparing insurance, use Compare Cover to see how plans treat hereditary / orthopedic conditions, and review the Dog Insurance page to understand your options.
