"Research indicates that at least 40% of dogs, across all ages, suffer from canine osteoarthritis — and this prevalence rises with age. Yet clinic data suggests rates of only 2.5% to 6.6%¹², highlighting a significant gap in recognition.
Canine Arthritis Management supports the veterinary profession in identifying osteoarthritis earlier, reducing suffering, and unlocking opportunities for holistic, multimodal care.
Classified as a welfare concern in 2018, this condition demands collective action: raising awareness, engaging clients, and empowering them with the knowledge and tools to manage their dogs’ health more effectively³.
Let’s work together to close this gap, improve early detection, and make a real difference to the lives of our patients."
- 1. O Neill, D. G., Church, D. B., McGreevy, P. D., Thomson, P. C., & Brodbelt, D. C. (2014). Prevalence of disorders recorded in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. PloS one, 9(3), e90501. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090501
- 2. Anderson, K. L., O'Neill, D. G., Brodbelt, D. C., Church, D. B., Meeson, R. L., Sargan, D., Summers, J. F., Zulch, H., & Collins, L. M. (2018). Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Scientific reports, 8(1), 5641. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23940-z
- 3. Summers, J. F., O'Neill, D. G., Church, D., Collins, L., Sargan, D., & Brodbelt, D. C. (2019). Health-related welfare prioritisation of canine disorders using electronic health records in primary care practice in the UK. BMC veterinary research, 15(1), 163. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-1902-0
Helping You Deliver Better OA Care,
Every Day
Our understanding of canine osteoarthritis has come a long way — but there’s still more to learn. OA isn’t just a disease of older dogs, and the pain goes far beyond a limp, affecting emotional, cognitive, psychological, and physical wellbeing. Early diagnosis is challenging, and optimal care requires a multimodal approach — clinical and lifestyle-based — which first opinion practices often struggle to provide.
For over a decade, Canine Arthritis Management has supported vets like you, giving your clients access to reliable, evidence-based information, a supportive community, and practical resources — all while helping reduce your workload. Direct your clients to our Member Zone and let us help you deliver better care, more efficiently, whilst checking out our courses and events for you and your team.
CAM FOR YOU
“It’s My Home Too” Tool
Osteoarthritis (OA) can lead to both physical and psychological vulnerabilities. Adjusting one’s lifestyle to accommodate these capabilities is logical, yet challenging in practice. The well-designed "It’s My Home Too" tool facilitates this adjustment.
Owner resources flyer
A diagnosis of OA and the initial management plan can be daunting for a new caregiver. CAM’s Caregiver Resource Booklet outlines essential additions to their evolving care plan with a warm introduction.
IN SILENCE
Arthritis is a major cause of elective euthanasia.
#YOURDOGMOREYEARS
LECTURES
BLOGS
RACE approved education
Vet Practitioner Course
Discover the power of the CAM Veterinary Practitioner Course: a comprehensive, RACE®-approved online programme designed for veterinary professionals to master the identification, diagnosis and evidence-based multimodal management of canine osteoarthritis.
With 15 modules, 65 videos, practical case-based assessments and a full year of access, this course equips you to improve patient outcomes, enhance owner engagement and confidently lead your practice in delivering holistic OA care.
Practice Training
Managing osteoarthritis is never straightforward — it demands a dedicated, team-based approach. From early identification and lifestyle guidance to weight management, pain reassessment, and targeted interventions such as surgery, every step matters.
A consistent, practice-wide strategy ensures your clients experience the same high level of care and commitment from every member of your team.
By aligning your knowledge, tools, and communication, you can deliver more effective, unified support throughout each stage of the disease.
Chronic Pain Symposium
Chronic pain in companion animals extends well beyond just osteoarthritis. It includes a range of issues, from persistent visceral pain to chronic corneal ulcers. Managing long-term pain presents a daily challenge for veterinary professionals.
The Annual Chronic Pain Symposium provides an opportunity for these professionals to stay updated on the latest insights, treatments, and strategies for effective management of chronic pain.
Bringing together leading experts and practitioners, it delivers practical, evidence-based guidance you can apply in everyday practice.