The management of arthritic pain in dogs– a review

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly affecting elderly individuals, and the chronic pain it causes significantly impacts the quality of life of affected dogs. First, we will focus on the joint, the physiopathology of osteoarthritis, and the mechanisms of arthritic pain production, and then discuss the existing treatments. There are numerous treatments available for managing this complex osteoarticular condition, but unconventional therapies are increasingly of interest to owners of canine species. Phytotherapy harnesses the healing properties of plants for treatment in a less toxic, more natural, and more cost-effective manner, offering a wide range of therapeutic options for animals. The objective of this review is to evaluate the present evidence backing treatments for canine osteoarthritis. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, piprants, monoclonal antibodies, adjunctive analgesics, structuremodifying osteoarthritis drugs, phytotherapy, and regenerative therapies.