Staging allows you to identify dogs at risk of developing OA and those with clinical symptoms of OA. It provides a common language that we can use to communicate between veterinary professionals and highlights the progressive nature of the disease.
One very key point is that Stage 1 dogs are those at risk of OA, but that do not (yet) have clinical symptoms. This is exactly when we should be intervening and discussing appropriate nutrition and weight management, exercise, and lifestyle modifications that can potentially prevent the onset of clinically symptomatic OA. It is also important to recheck Stage 1 dogs more often than yearly in order to ensure early signs of pain are not being missed.
These stages are based on the Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST) developed by Cachon T, et al. (Face validity of a proposed tool for staging canine osteoarthritis: Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST). Vet J. 2018;235:1-8). For information on this tool, click here.
Once you have determined the stage of your patient’s OA, you can then develop a management plan. Here are guidelines developed based on the COAST Stages.
5 Stages of OA
| Stage | Signs | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No risk factors, no clinical signs | 5-year old Standard Poodle without any lameness or DOD. If this dog were to sustain trauma/fracture to a joint, he would be at risk of developing OA |
| 1 | At risk, no current clinical signs | 4-month old Labrador with positive Ortolani sign. Six-year-old Boxer that is overweight |
| 2 | Mild clinical signs | 1-year-old Golden Retriever that occasionally has thoracic limb lameness after playing |
| 3 | Moderate clinical signs | 8-month old Rottweiler that is always lame on left thoracic limb. 9-year-old Pit Bull mix with bilateral CCL tears; one side was treated surgically, the other has not been treated surgically. |
| 4 | Severe clinical signs | 10-year-old Lab mix that cannot climb the stairs, jump in the car, and does not want to go for walks. |