The Role of Strengthening in the Management of Canine Osteoarthritis

Current evidence for non‐pharmaceutical, non‐surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis

“…Exercising using exercise equipment, such as balance boards and exercise balls can be beneficial to build balance and strength, ideally by a trained canine physiotherapist (Goldberg 2022). A thorough review of the use of strengthening exercises has been recently published (Drum et al 2021).…”

“…Physiotherapy in the human field is an accepted treatment modality for patients with OA, and multiple studies show its effectiveness at reducing clinical signs of OA (Roddy et al 2004, Deyle et al 2005, McAlindon et al 2014, Bannuru et al 2019, Mazzei et al 2021. In veterinary physiotherapy, published randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of physiotherapy in dogs with OA are limited (Mlacnik et al 2006, Crook et al 2007, Drum et al 2021, Barale et al 2022.…”

“…These protocols include land-based therapeutic exercise programmes and manual therapies, hydrotherapy and other physiotherapeutic modalities including the application of different temperatures (e.g. cryotherapy or thermal heat), and different energies such as laser, electric, magnetic or ultrasound (Millis & Levine 1997, Langley-Hobbs 2010, Drum et al 2021.…”

Physiotherapeutic Strategies and Their Current Evidence for Canine Osteoarthritis

“…This is of even greater significance, as muscle strengthening programmes for knee OA have improved joint stability and were able to prevent joint dysfunction based on a six-year cohort study [ 70 ]. The clinical efficacy of strengthening exercises in osteoarthritic dogs has not been established yet but are recommended on a routine basis clinically and expected to play a key role in canine OA therapy [ 71 , 72 ]. Strengthening exercises are tailored by the physiotherapist according to the affected osteoarthritic joint and the corresponding muscle weakness.…”

“…Strengthening exercises are tailored by the physiotherapist according to the affected osteoarthritic joint and the corresponding muscle weakness. The positive effect of muscle strengthening is expected to become only apparent after weeks to months and needs be maintained with ongoing training [ 72 ]. In dogs, resistance training is commonly utilized for strengthening with dogs working against their own weight (for example sit-to-stand exercise) or against additional stressors (for example elastic bands, or carpal weights) [ 73 ].…”