dvm360: Managing Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease that transitions from intermittent discomfort to persistent pain as cartilage thins toward bone-on-bone contact. Dogs compensate with altered posture and gait, reduced range of motion, and activity avoidance. Over time, secondary effects include muscle atrophy, weight gain due to lower activity, and behavior changes such as reluctance to play. Overall, OA steadily erodes a dog’s ability to perform normal daily functions and diminishes quality of life for both patient and owner. This article will review surgical management options for terminal OA in the hip, stifle, and elbow joints.

All patients affected by OA benefit from medical management, including activity modulation, professional physical rehabilitation, weight optimization, and medication (including systemic and locally administered drugs). However, because OA is a degenerative process, the success associated with conservative management declines over time. When conservative management reaches its limit, total joint replacement offers a means to remove painful, diseased articular surfaces and reestablish functional biomechanics.

Across all 3 joints, arthroplasty aims to:

Modern cementless systems rely on osteointegration over approximately 6 to 12 weeks for long-term fixation. This extends the longevity of implants compared with previous implant generations that used cement for fixation. As with any arthroplasty, risks include infection, luxation/instability, and peri-implant fissure or fracture during early healing. Case selection, meticulous soft tissue handling, and structured rehabilitation are central to outcome. Earlier intervention in appropriate candidates typically simplifies surgery and recovery.

Guiot, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, graduated with a veterinary medicine degree from the University of Liege (Belgium) in 2004. Board-certified by the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2011, he has held prominent positions, including assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Michigan State University. Since his arrival at ACCESS Specialty Hospital-Los Angeles, he co-developed with Reunan Guillou the first comprehensive total joint replacement center in California, offering surgeries like total elbow, hip, knee, and ankle replacements. The ACCESS Bone and Joint Center, a part of Thrive Pet Healthcare’s community of hospitals, is the only complete orthopedic center for pet joint replacements on the West Coast.

Recognized for his expertise, Guiot is a Founding Fellow in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery and a Founding Fellow in joint replacement surgery for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, facilitating the establishment of an official training center for such procedures. Actively engaged in national and international orthopedic programs, he serves as the past-chair of the educational commission for AO Vet North America. He also recently served as the president of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, a group of surgeons dedicated to the advancement of veterinary orthopedics. Guiot is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative surgical techniques, instruments, and implants, solidifying his position as a leader in the field of veterinary orthopedics.