Canine Osteoarthritis: 5 Myths & Misconceptions

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Although many pet owners are familiar with the general concept of osteoarthritis (OA), myths and misconceptions regarding this disease abound. These myths can limit a client’s understanding of this condition, negatively impacting the veterinary team’s ability to provide effective diagnostic testing and treatment.

Below are 5 common myths and misconceptions regarding OA and the facts to combat them when discussing the condition with pet owners.

Myth 1: Osteoarthritis Only Affects Senior Dogs

Pet owners often think of OA as a condition that exclusively affects older dogs; however, OA can unfortunately occur at any age, even in young dogs,¹ and OA may go undetected in younger patients due to misconceptions about risk.

A 2024 study examined articular radiographs from 123 randomly selected dogs ranging from 8 months to 4 years of age.¹ Radiographic evidence of OA was observed in 39.8% of the study dogs. This underscores the significant risk for OA in young dogs. To facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, discussions about OA should begin at an early age.

Myth 2: Osteoarthritis Only Poses a Problem in Predisposed Breeds

A number of breeds have a known genetic predisposition to OA, including the golden retriever, Labrador retriever, rottweiler, and German shepherd dog.² However, OA can occur in dogs of any breed. This is especially true if the dog has congenital orthopedic abnormalities, obesity, and/or a history of trauma.

All dogs should be screened for OA, taking care not to overlook this possibility in unexpected breeds. Although members of the veterinary team often take a proactive approach to discussing OA with owners of high-risk breeds, these conversations should occur with every client, regardless of their dog’s breed.

Myth 3: Osteoarthritis Is Readily Apparent to Pet Owners & Veterinarians

Pain associated with severe OA is often readily recognizable, but early or mild cases are often overlooked. Young dogs may alter their gait to minimize pain, resulting in less obvious changes in ambulation as compared with more severely affected patients. In addition, patients with early or mild signs of OA will still tend to engage in daily activities, allowing their OA to escape detection.

Although mild or early OA may have minimal impacts on a patient’s quality of life, this is a progressive condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can alter the course of disease by allowing pets to remain comfortably active, which can help patients maintain muscle mass and prevent obesity. Regular screening in the form of client questionnaires or other approaches should be considered for all dogs of all life stages.

Myth 4: NSAIDs Are the Only Available Treatment Option for Osteoarthritis

Although there is no medical cure for OA, various available treatments can help control the pain of OA and improve patient quality of life. NSAIDs play a key role in managing pain and inflammation, but other medical treatments may offer additional benefits.

Librela® (bedinvetmab injection), for example, is a monoclonal antibody treatment for the control of OA pain in dogs. Librela is a monthly, injectable therapy that binds to nerve growth factor, which plays a significant role in OA pain.^3,4

Myth 5: Pharmaceutical Treatment Is the Only Thing That Can Help Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Multimodal therapy is key in OA management. Recommendations should include weight management, nutritional modifications, and exercise therapy.⁵ Additional considerations such as nutraceuticals, joint injections, and physical therapy can provide additional patient benefits.⁵

OA treatment plans should be customized for each patient. When a treatment plan is created, both individual patient factors and client constraints/preferences should be considered.

Conclusion

Client misconceptions may limit the veterinary team’s ability to provide proactive and effective OA diagnosis and treatment. A team-based approach to client education can correct these misconceptions, improving the practice’s level of care for patients with OA. By discussing OA with dog owners on a regular basis, the veterinary team can help increase owners' understanding of this common condition.