Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by inflammation and gradual deterioration of the articular cartilage (Innes et al., 2010). Although it primarily affects senior dogs, osteoarthritis can also develop in younger animals following joint trauma, developmental abnormalities, or genetic predisposition.

The disease results in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a significant decline in the animal's quality of life (Monteiro-Steagall et al., 2013). Certain breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever, are particularly predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in dogs:

• Age-related wear and tear of the joints;
• Overweight or obesity, which increases mechanical stress on the joints;
• Previous joint injuries or trauma;
• Developmental orthopedic disorders such as hip or elbow dysplasia;
• Genetic predisposition in certain breeds (Curry et al., 2005).

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs of osteoarthritis generally develop progressively and may include:

• Lameness or an altered gait, often more pronounced after periods of rest;
• Difficulty rising, lying down, or climbing stairs;
• Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity;
• Reduced physical activity and reluctance to play, exercise, or go for walks;
• Pain upon joint palpation;
• Joint swelling in advanced cases;
• Reduced performance and early fatigue (Innes et al., 2010).

Previcox® (Firocoxib): A Selective COX-2 Anti-inflammatory

Previcox® contains firocoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the coxib class. It works by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is primarily responsible for inflammation and pain, while largely sparing cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), an enzyme involved in maintaining gastrointestinal and renal protection.

Benefits of Previcox®

• Targeted anti-inflammatory action: Thanks to its selective COX-2 inhibition, firocoxib effectively reduces joint pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis.
• Rapid improvement in mobility: Several studies have demonstrated significant improvements in locomotion, physical activity, and overall comfort in dogs treated with firocoxib.
• Improved gastrointestinal tolerability: COX-2 selectivity helps minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects compared with less selective NSAIDs.
• Suitable for long-term management: Under regular veterinary supervision, Previcox® can be used as part of the long-term management of canine osteoarthritis.

Previcox® should always be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.

References :

Curry, S.L., Cogar, S.M., Cook, J.L. (2005). Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: a review. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.https://jaaha.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaha/41/5/article-p298.xml

Innes, J., O'Neill, T., Lascelles, D. (2010). Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. In Practice.https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1136/inp.c1436

Monteiro-Steagall, B.P., Steagall, P.V.M., Lascelles, B.D.X. (2013). Systematic review of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced adverse effects in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.https://academic.oup.com/jvim/article-abstract/27/5/1011/8451949