Understanding and Treating OA Pain: Practical Strategies for Veterinary Teams

Course overview

Effective pain management is fundamental to improving mobility, comfort, and quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). This program provides veterinary professionals with a practical, clinically relevant approach to recognizing and managing OA-associated pain across the disease continuum. Participants will review the mechanisms and clinical presentation of OA pain, with an emphasis on identifying both overt and subtle indicators that may impact patient function and welfare. The session will explore commonly used oral analgesics, including their roles, benefits, and limitations, as well as considerations for when injectable therapies may be introduced to enhance pain control. In addition, the program will examine how these therapeutic options can be integrated into a multimodal treatment plan tailored to the individual patient. Attendees will also gain insight into when surgical intervention may be appropriate to address underlying joint pathology and improve long-term outcomes. Through practical guidance and real-world application, this session aims to support veterinary teams in making informed, evidence-based decisions that optimize pain management strategies and improve overall patient care in canine osteoarthritis.