Putting theory into practice - best practice management for osteoarthritis

Authors
Stuart Carmichael
Date
2006
Journal
EJCAP
Volume
16
Number
1
Pages
27-31

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an insidiously progressive disease producing pain and loss of function in affected joints. The suffering and restrictions on exercise that the active disease produces, make a profound impact on the quality of life of the patient. Fortunately, although the disease is widespread, estimated to affect one in five of all dogs, it is not always associated with debilitating disease [1]. Indeed it has been speculated that only animals with moderate to severe OA pathology are identified and presented as clinical problems [2]. These facts set the scene for any discussions aimed at identifying management strategies for the disease.