Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting the canine population, with studies estimating radiographic evidence in up to 80% of senior dogs over the age of eight (Johnston, 1997). However, in clinical practice, particularly in southeast asia, OA remains underdiagnosed in its early stages due to two persistent misconceptions: that joint stiffness is a normal consequence of ageing, and that pain is always obvious.

Early signs of OA are often subtle and non-specific, including reluctance to jump into vehicles, lagging behind on walks, difficulty rising after rest, or increased irritability. These behavioural changes are commonly misattributed to “just getting old” by guardians. Yet, studies suggest that these early signs often precede radiographic changes (Moreau et al., 2014), meaning veterinarians must rely heavily on clinical history and pain assessment tools for diagnosis.

Breed-specific prevalence adds a further diagnostic dimension. Large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, widely kept in Indian urban settings are disproportionately affected. Moreover, street-adopted Indian Pariah Dogs ("Indie dogs") often present with early OA due to prior trauma or poor nutrition in their formative months.

Clinical assessment should extend beyond physical palpation. While joint thickening, crepitus, and pain on extension are critical findings, validated pain scoring tools like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) score can add significant diagnostic weight (Brown et al., 2008; Walton et al., 2013). These tools are not only free and easy to apply, but they also empower clients to recognize pain trends at home.

Radiographs, although helpful, can mislead when used alone, especially in early OA. A dog with functional impairment may show minimal radiographic change, while another with significant joint pathology may show no clinical lameness. Thus, imaging should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and patient history.

Treatment should begin early and follow a multimodal plan. NSAIDs like carprofen and firocoxib remain first-line choices, especially when inflammation is evident. Adjuncts such as omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate may provide