A proposed framework for practical multimodal management of osteoarthritis in adult dogs

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly half of adult dogs and has physiological, physical, and functional consequences. The physiological impact of OA includes joint inflammation, progressive cartilage degeneration, and pain. Physically, OA changes commonly result in reduced limb strength, muscle atrophy, and, in some cases, decreased joint range of motion. Functionally, OA manifests as diminished willingness or ability to climb stairs, jump, play, exercise, or perform routine activities. These functional losses negatively impact quality of life for both dogs and their caregivers. Effective OA management requires a comprehensive and multimodal approach. Therapeutic options include nutrition, nutritional supplementation, medications, lifestyle changes, electrophysical modalities, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, ergonomic support, and surgery. Because OA is a chronic and progressive condition, management strategies must be practical, individualized, and sustainable over the long term. Protocols should be streamlined to minimize caregiver burden while maximizing clinical benefit. Foundational management includes nutritional strategies to optimize metabolic health and maintain ideal body condition. Nutritional supplements may provide safe and practical adjunctive support to decrease joint inflammation and pain. When joint pain is identified, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remain a predictably effective first-line pharmacologic therapy. Additional or alternative therapeutic interventions should be added when initial therapy is inadequate or when safety considerations limit use. Sustained and structured client communication is critical to setting expectations, monitoring response to therapy, and adapting management plans over time. Successful OA management depends not only on therapeutic selection but also on long-term adherence, reassessment, and individualized adjustment. A consensus-driven, multimodal framework provides clinicians with a practical and sustainable strategy to optimize outcomes for adult dogs with OA.