Canine osteoarthritis: occurrence, functional impact, management and associated factors in a cross-sectional survey of French-speaking dog owners

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition that can substantially impair mobility and welfare. This cross-sectional online survey aimed to describe the occurrence, functional consequences and management of OA, and to investigate dog- and lifestyle-related factors associated with OA among French-speaking dog owners. Owners of dogs aged > 1 year completed a questionnaire covering dog characteristics, lifestyle, health, physical activity, feeding practices and OA management including pharmacological treatments and nutritional interventions. OA-related functional impairment was assessed using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory. Dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents of the main diet were also determined when sufficient dietary information was available. Factors associated with OA were investigated by multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1,324 dogs were included; 277 (21%) were classified as having OA, 882 (67%) as not having OA, and 165 (12%) had an unsure OA status. Among dogs with OA, rising from a lying position and climbing stairs were affected in more than 80%, while enjoyment of life was affected to some degree in 66%. Pharmacological treatment was reported for 71% of affected dogs, and only 31% had undergone a dietary change following OA onset. Dietary EPA and DHA content could be determined for 172 dogs with OA; among these, 48% received < 1 g EPA + DHA/Mcal and no omega-3-containing supplement. In the multivariable analysis ( n = 962), older age, neutering, purebred status, larger body size and greater reference activity (pre-OA activity in dogs with OA and current activity in dogs without OA) were associated with higher odds of OA. Canine OA was common in this survey and was associated with substantial impairment of everyday mobility and perceived wellbeing. The findings highlight potential opportunities to improve multimodal OA management, including the assessment of functional impairment, pharmacological treatment, and evidence-based nutritional strategies. Factors associated with OA were largely consistent with previous epidemiological findings. Overall, this study provides a broad owner-reported perspective on the occurrence, consequences, and management of canine OA.