Dog Owner Dashboard

References

Prevalence of radiographic appendicular osteoarthritis and associated clinical signs in young dogs

Summary:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and associated clinical signs in young dogs (aged 8 months–4 years). Each joint was scored for pain reactions (0–4). Orthogonal radiographs of all joints were made under sedation. Each joint was scored for radiographic OA (rOA) severity. Clinical OA (cOA) was defined as an overlap of rOA and joint pain in ≥ 1 joint. The owners of 123 dogs agreed to participate. Overall, 39.8% (49/123) of dogs had rOA in ≥ 1 joint, and 16.3% (20/123) or 23.6% (29/123) dogs had cOA, depending on the cut-off value of joint pain; moderate (2), or mild (1), respectively. Owners of dogs with cOA observed signs of impairment in approximately 30% of cases. Only 2 dogs with cOA were receiving OA pain management. The most commonly affected joints in descending order of frequency were elbow, hip, tarsus, and stifle.

Conclusion:

Radiographically visible OA is common in young dogs (8m- 4y), and 40–60% of dogs with radiographic OA had clinical OA. Pain appears underdiagnosed and undertreated in young dogs.

Author & Journal:Masataka Enomoto, Nicholas de Castro, Jonathan Hash, Andrea Thomson, Aoi Nakanishi-Hester, Erin Perry, Savannah Aker, Emily Haupt, Logan Opperman, Simon Roe, Tracey Cole, Nichola Archer Thompson, J F Innes, B Duncan X Lascelles; Scientific Reports, 2024
Learn More

Prospective trial of autologous conditioned plasma versus hyaluronan plus corticosteroid for elbow osteoarthritis in dogs

Summary:

“This prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial compared outcomes in dogs with bilateral elbow osteoarthritis (OA) treated with hyaluronan plus methylprednisolone (HA + S) or autologous conditioned plasma (ACP(®); Arthrex).”

Conclusion:

“These data provide some evidence to support use of either hyaluronan plus methylprednisolone acetate or autologous conditioned plasma alone or as an adjunct to other non-surgical or surgical treatment of elbow OA and may be particularly useful for patients which cannot tolerate other disease- modifying osteoarthritis drugs such as NSAIDs. The evidence for efficacy based upon these data are relatively weak because of the study limitations, but the lack of any complications is valuable in justifying their attempted use when other therapies have failed and in justifying further study of these products to more rigorously assess their benefits.”

Author & Journal:Franklin, Samuel et al, Canadian Veterinary Journal 2013
Learn More

Psychometric testing of the Helsinki chronic pain index by completion of a questionnaire in Finnish by owners of dogs with chronic signs of pain caused by osteoarthritis

Summary:

“To determine the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of a published chronic pain index by completion of a questionnaire in Finnish by owners of dogs with chronic signs of pain caused by osteoarthritis.”

Conclusion:

“The Finnish version of the HCPI provided a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for assessment of response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis.”

Author & Journal:Hielm-Björkman, Anna K., et al, American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2009
Learn More

Qualitative study of owner perceptions of chronic pain in their dogs

Summary:

“To understand the experiences of owners of dogs with chronic pain and explore owner perceptions of their pets’ pain.”

Conclusion:

“By understanding the impact of chronic pain on dog owners and ap- preciating how owners perceive pain in their pets, veterinarians may be able to provide better care for patients and clients.“

Author & Journal:Davis, Kelly N., et al, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019
Learn More

Recognizing Behavioral Signs of Pain and Disease:

Summary:

“The aim of this article is to illustrate some examples of cases that might present as behavioral disorders but are in fact medical conditions.”

Conclusion:

“Observing and collecting complete histories of obvious and subtle changes in behavior will help veterinarians identify and define more precisely all of the signs associated with medical and painful conditions as well as those associated with behavioral disorders.”

Author & Journal:Frank, Diane, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2014
Learn More

Reliability and validity of a visual analogue scale used by owners to measure chronic pain attributable to osteoarthritis in their dogs

Summary:

“To assess validity and reliability for a visual analogue scale (VAS) used by owners to measure chronic pain in their osteoarthritic dogs.”

Conclusion:

“Although valid and reliable, the pain VAS was a poor tool for untrained owners because of poor face validity (ie, owners could not recognize their dogs’ behavior as signs of pain). Only after owners had seen pain diminish and then return (after starting and discontinuing NSAID use) did the VAS have face validity.”

Author & Journal:Hielm-Björkman, Anna K, et al, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2011
Learn More

Use of client-specific outcome measures to assess treatment effects in geriatric, arthritic dogs: controlled clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical.

Summary:

“A questionnaire method was designed for dog owners to monitor the orthopedic disabilities of their pets for evaluation of a nutraceutical with joint health claims. Fifty large-breed dogs, 7 to 12 years of age, presenting with signs of osteoarthritis, were randomly allocated to placebo and active treatment groups. Degree of disability was assessed by physical examination, a standard questionnaire on daily activities, and a case-specific questionnaire that monitored specific impairments of each dog. The test product was a special milk protein concentrate (SMPC) from hyperimmunized cows, previously shown to express anti inflammatory and antiarthritic activity in humans”

Conclusion:

“Overall improvement was noted in 68% and 35% of the SMPC and placebo groups, respectively.”

Author & Journal:Gingerich D.A., et al, Veterinary Therapeutics, 2003
Learn More