This article is sponsored content brought to you by Elanco.
Nearly 75% of dogs are in the moderate to severe stages of osteoarthritis before they begin treatment1.
As a veterinarian, you want your patients to stay strong and active so they can do the things they love with their family, even with canine osteoarthritis. But it can be challenging! Too often, canine OA goes unnoticed especially in its early and mild stages.
Canine OA is often a young dog disease
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and progressive condition that is estimated to affect 20% of dogs.2 Signs can be subtle, often develop gradually and might be mistakenly attributed to other causes (e.g. “getting old”). Developmental orthopedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia can predispose dogs to developing OA at a young age; 22% of cases occur in dogs aged one year or under.2 However, the condition often isn’t diagnosed until it’s in a more advanced stage as this is when clinical signs are more obvious. In fact, more than 50% of dogs diagnosed with OA are 8 – 13 years old.2
Canine OA is characterised by intermittent inflammation and degradation of cartilage, leading to chronic, progressive pain and mobility changes. It can start at a young age due to developmental joint disease or trauma3, but initial clinical signs can be subtle and difficult for pet owners to see. This can lead to treatment delay.4
Risk Factors
It’s a common misconception that dogs only develop osteoarthritis because of old age. There are many factors that place dogs at a greater risk for canine OA, even in their early years.
- Breed Disposition – Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible than others and may be more genetically predisposed to conformational abnormalities such as hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis.
- Intense Activity – Rigorous or strenuous exercise can place greater stress on joints and make them more susceptible to injury, which initiates structural changes that progress the disease.
- Joint Injury or Surgery – Prior joint injuries or surgeries, such as cruciate ligament injuries, are a common cause of OA in dogs.
- Obesity – Excess weight places more stress on joints and puts them under greater pressure, leading to faster progression and severity of canine OA.
References –
1. Elanco Market Research VET QUANT DATA Global U&A Target Identification 2016.
2. Innes J.F. et al. Review of the safety and efficacy of long term NSAID use in treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Veterinary Record 2010; 166: 226-230.
3. Lascelles D, International Association for the Study of Pain, 2016, Fact Sheet No. 9.
4. Cachon T, et al Vet J. 2018 May1:235:1-8.
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PM-AU-22-0578
Come and speak about Galliprant with our team at the Vet Expo (Stand E3). Our veterinarians are available to discuss Galliprant or any product in the Elanco range. They will be happy to give advice and suggestions for any specific or general cases you are thinking may benefit from Galliprant.
INDICATION: For the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
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