This is a review of an article I helped write with a fantastic team of other veterinarians, to see the full article scroll to the bottom of this post.
Osteoarthritis (OA) isn’t just a problem for older dogs—it can start in puppies and young dogs too. As one of the authors of this newly published scientific article in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, I’m proud to share this practical information with you, written with the goal of helping dog owners better understand and manage early joint disease.
This article is the first in a three-part series aimed at improving lifelong mobility and comfort for dogs with OA. Part 1 focuses on growing dogs, Part 2 will explore adult dogs, and Part 3 will cover care for geriatric dogs. I’m incredibly grateful to work with such a knowledgeable and compassionate team of co-authors in developing this framework.
Why Puppies Can Get OA
- OA can begin early in life due to joint conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, or cruciate ligament injury.
- In young dogs, the condition often starts with inflammation, pain, and subtle changes in movement—long before you see major changes on X-rays.
- Puppies with early OA may show mild limping, less enthusiasm for play, or stiffness after rest. These signs can be easy to miss but are important to catch early.
A Team Approach to Managing Early OA
We propose a multimodal (many tools) approach that blends lifestyle, nutrition, medication, and sometimes surgery to help dogs thrive.
1. Healthy Weight & Activity
- Keeping your dog lean reduces stress on joints.
- Controlled, low-impact exercise (like leash walks and gentle play) helps build strength safely.
2. Nutritional Support
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or green-lipped mussel) can help reduce inflammation.
- Joint supplements (like undenatured type II collagen or eggshell membrane may support cartilage and reduce pain in mild cases.
3. Medical and Physical Therapy
- Short courses of anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may be used to manage flare-ups—always under veterinary supervision.
- Rehabilitation therapies, such as underwater treadmill, strength exercises, and laser or PEMF treatments, help maintain function.
- Joint injections or regenerative medicine (like platelet rich plasma or stem cells) are options in more advanced cases.
4. Surgical Options (When Needed)
For dogs with specific hip conditions, early surgical procedures like a Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) may help improve outcomes. While procedures like femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR) may be considered.
Why Early Action Matters
Catching OA early allows us to manage inflammation and support mobility before permanent joint damage occurs. Starting early also builds a strong team between you, your vet, and (when needed) rehab specialists—leading to better long-term outcomes.
What You Can Do Now
| Action | Why It Matters |
| Monitor subtle signs | Limping, stiffness, or reduced play can be early warning signs |
| Keep your pup lean | Less weight means less joint strain |
| Ask your vet about OA | Especially if your dog has a known joint condition |
| Use joint-support supplements | They may help in mild or early-stage OA |
| Explore rehab options | Gentle therapies can support joint function and comfort |
| Follow up regularly | Regular check-ins help guide treatment as your dog grows |
Looking Ahead
This article is just the beginning. Our upcoming publications will focus on:
- Adult dogs with OA: how to manage progression and activity
- Senior dogs with OA: optimizing comfort and quality of life in the golden years
If you’re a dog owner navigating OA, you’re not alone—and there are many tools we can use to keep your dog active and happy at every stage of life.
Link to article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1565922/full
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