Osteoarthritis has a high prevalence in dogs undergoing routine dental prophylaxis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) and the joints affected in medium to large dogs undergoing dental prophylaxis. We hypothesized that up to 50% of dogs in the study population would have radiographic OA.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Dogs admitted for dental prophylaxis at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine from May 2013 to February 2014, > 11 kg, and 4 to 10 years of age without a previous diagnosis of OA were studied. Orthopedic examinations and ground reaction force measurements were performed. Radiographs of the major joints were obtained under sedation and evaluated for the presence and severity of OA.

Results: 18 of 30 dogs (60%) had 1 or more joints with radiographic OA. The number of dogs with affected joints included coxofemoral (n = 11), tarsus (10), antebrachiocarpal (4), stifle (4), glenohumeral (3), and elbow (1). Dogs with OA had an average of 3 joints affected (range, 1 to 8 joints). Returned owner questionnaires indicated that 10 of 14 dogs with OA had no clinical signs, whereas 6 of 7 dogs without OA had no signs.

Conclusions: OA was common in dogs. Most owners did not realize their dog had OA. An optimal time to screen for radiographic OA is during procedures requiring sedation.

Clinical relevance: Radiographic OA occurred in 60% of dogs, suggesting that dogs be screened for OA. Most owners did not suspect their dogs had OA, but questions regarding mobility may direct further screening.