Canine Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain

Kristin Kirkby Shaw (Editor), Hannah Capon (Editor) 

ISBN: 9781394283200

Wiley-Blackwell

July 2026

432 pages

Description

Translate current OA science into actionable treatment protocols for clinical practice

With an estimated forty percent of dogs affected by osteoarthritis pain, veterinarians need practical guidance that converts complex pathophysiology into effective clinical protocols. Canine Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain delivers evidence-based strategies for identifying subtle pain indicators and developing tailored treatment plans. Board-certified surgeon and rehabilitation specialist Kristin Kirkby Shaw and general practitioner co-editor Hannah Capon provide actionable frameworks for busy practitioners.

This resource covers OA pathophysiology, traditional and emerging treatment modalities, and multimodal management approaches grounded in current evidence. Practitioners gain access to downloadable PDFs, instructional videos, questionnaires, and client handouts for seamless workflow integration. The book includes algorithms for personalized treatment planning and client engagement tools featuring educational videos and home exercises for strengthening arthritic limbs.

Readers will also find:

• Comprehensive examination protocols and diagnostic criteria for identifying pain indicators that may otherwise go undetected in clinical settings

• Treatment decision-making frameworks that balance optimal patient care with financial considerations and client compliance in general practice

• Client communication tools including educational resources and handouts that improve treatment adherence and strengthen the veterinarian-client partnership

• Evidence-based guidelines incorporating the latest research on OA pathophysiology, pharmacological interventions, and rehabilitation techniques for canine patients

• Practical resources for engaging the entire veterinary healthcare team in delivering coordinated, multimodal osteoarthritis management strategies

Designed for primary care veterinarians, veterinary specialists caring for dogs with joint disease, veterinary students, and technicians involved in canine pain management, this practical guidebook transforms complex scientific knowledge into actionable clinical strategies. Whether developing treatment plans or engaging clients in home care, practitioners gain the tools needed for compassionate, effective OA management.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

List of Contributors xxi

Foreword by Fox xxiii

Foreword by Eldridge xxv

Acknowledgments xxvi

About the Companion Website xxvii

Part 1 Laying the Groundwork: Principles and Framework for Modern OA Care 1

1 Read with Purpose: How to Approach This Book? 3

2 The OA Blueprint 6

3 What We Are Up Against: Understanding OA and Maladaptive Pain 10

Part 2 Set the Stage for Success: People, Patients, and Practice Culture 29

4 The Role of Fear and Anxiety in OA Care 31

5 “But My Dog Isn’t Crying Out.” How to Talk with Caregivers About OA and Pain? 37

6 It Takes a Village: A Team-Based Approach to Osteoarthritis Management 49

7 Tech to Tech: How to Be the Best OA Advocate for Your Patients? 55

8 How to Create an OA-Friendly Clinic and Consult? 63

Part 3 From Suspicion to Confirmation: The Art and Science of Diagnosing OA 73

9 When It’s Not So Simple: Differential Diagnoses for OA Lameness and Common Comorbidities That May Impact Your Plan 75

10 It Starts with an Index of Suspicion: Screening Tools for Identifying OA 85

11 The Art of the Musculoskeletal Exam: Using Low-Stress Techniques to Establish a Diagnosis of Joint Disease 93

12 Diagnostic Imaging Techniques and Radiographic Features of OA 117

13 Put a Number on It: Stages, Grades, and Use of Clinical Metrology Instruments for OA 155

14 How to Develop and Modify Your Plan? 169

Part 4 Building Your Plan: The Essentials of OA Management 185

15 Pharmaceutical Options for OA Management 187

16 The Biggest Impact: Weight Management and Nutrition for Canine OA 219

17 Use It or Lose It: The Crucial Role of Exercise in OA Management 247

18 OA Is a Way of Life: Home and Environmental Modifications 260

Part 5 Beyond the Basics: Adjunctive Therapies and Advanced Interventions 283

19 Surgical Management of Joint Diseases and Osteoarthritis 285

20 Canine Rehabilitation: What It Is and What Techniques Can Help Dogs with OA? 320

21 Joint Support Supplements: Do They Have a Place in Canine OA Management? 335

22 Intra-Articular Therapies 347

23 Acupuncture for OA Management: Scientific Rationale and Practical Recommendations 361

24 When It’s Not Quite Time: Palliative and Hospice Care 373

25 When Pain Wins: End-of-Life Decision-Making 383

25.7.1 Supporting Families Through the Final Journey 390

Reference 391

Index 000

About the Author

Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVS, DACVSMR, is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and rehabilitation specialist who founded Canine Arthritis Resources and Education. She established the University of Florida Small Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, serves as faculty at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, and is past president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. She received the John J. Sherman Award for Excellence in Veterinary Rehabilitation in 2018 and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award in 2023.

Hannah Capon, MA Vet MB MRCVS, CCRP, is an experienced general practitioner veterinarian, award-winning online educator, international speaker, and founder of Canine Arthritis Management, an online multiplatform resource for caregivers and professionals. She received the CEVA Veterinary Welfare Award in 2019, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award in 2020, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Welfare Award in 2025.