Proposed Canadian Consensus Guidelines on Osteoarthritis Treatment Based on OA-COAST Stages 1-4

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Health
• Osteoarthritis Management

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease in dogs.
• Effective OA management requires a multimodal and individualized approach.
• Existing treatment guidelines are essential for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish Canadian consensus guidelines for canine OA treatment.
• To provide clinicians with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• To support individualized treatment plans for dogs with OA.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a diverse expert panel with clinical and academic expertise.
• Systematic review of available research and clinical experience.
• Categorization of treatments into core and secondary recommendations.
• Development of guidelines based on the COAST OA staging system (stages 1-4).

Main Results:

• A comprehensive summary of treatment recommendations for canine OA.
• Classification of therapeutic interventions based on evidence and clinical utility.
• Guidance tailored to specific OA severity stages (COAST 1-4).

Conclusions:

• The guidelines offer a structured framework for canine OA treatment.
• Recommendations integrate research evidence with practical clinical experience.
• The consensus aims to optimize patient outcomes through standardized yet individualized care.