The pathophysiology and medical management of canine osteoarthritis : continuing education

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a condition characterised by degeneration of articular cartilage often associated with the formation of new bone at joint surfaces or margins. Commonly encountered in dogs, osteoarthritis may have a gradual onset, but may also occur acutely. Osteoarthritis can be a primary disease of joint cartilage, but is more often secondary to abnormal stresses on joints. This article describes the pathogenesis and progression of cartilage degeneration as well as the dietary, lifestyle and pharmacological management of osteoarthritis. Recent pharmacological developments allow the clinician not only to control clinical signs of the disease, but also to slow the progression of cartilage degeneration.