The Osteoarthritic Patient

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative condition that causes pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life in approximately 40% of dogs. A multimodal approach to managing OA is essential and is built on a foundation of analgesia, weight management, and appropriate exercise. Although high-impact exercise, such as jumping and ball play, are typically discouraged for dogs with OA, this does not mean that all exercise should be avoided. Rather, exercise can reduce pain and inflammation associated with OA, improve or maintain joint range of motion, strengthen peri-articular supporting muscles, increase proprioception, endurance and whole-body fitness, and contribute to weight management. Rehabilitation professionals should have a thorough understanding of OA as a disease process, analgesic options for managing OA, and appropriate exercise recommendations for dogs with OA. This chapter provides background on OA and guidance to enable a rehabilitation therapist inexperienced with these types of patients to appropriately approach a case.