The study, led by Dr Jo Murrell and a team of animal health and welfare specialists in the School of Veterinary Sciences, hopes to find out more about osteoarthritis in dogs and ultimately improve the treatment of pain for dogs with this condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis seen in dogs and is a very common cause of chronic pain, particularly in older dogs. OA is a slowly progressing disease where the cartilage in the dog’s joints breaks down and causes friction between the bones resulting in outgrowths of new bone forming, known as osteophytes.
The aim of the study is to increase researchers knowledge about pain related to OA in dogs; investigate the relationship between pain patterns in OA and pain mechanisms; and translate the idea of personalised pain therapy from people to dogs.
Owners will be asked to bring their dog to the Vet School for four separate visits over a two-month period. The visits involve a full clinical examination by a vet, which will include a physical and orthopaedic examination; routine health screening of a blood sample; X-rays to assess the severity of osteoarthritis, sensory testing and follow-up advice about optimising pain treatment for the condition, provided by European specialists in surgery and pain management.
Megan Goff, Research Technician in Companion Animal Studies, said: “We are delighted with the number of people who have registered their dog with the Bristol Dog Arthritis study but we need more dogs to take part. The more dogs that take part the more we can learn about the condition.
“By participating in the study your dog will increase our knowledge about pain associated with osteoarthritis and make a contribution towards improving the lifelong welfare of the millions of dogs with osteoarthritis throughout the world.”
Members of the public who own a dog over 12 kilograms in weight who is showing signs of OA in the hind limbs (hips and knees), such as stiffness after walks, less willingness to exercise or play, difficulty jumping or climbing stairs, and who live in Bristol and the surrounding area, are invited to take part in the project by emailing dogarthritis-study@bristol.ac.uk or telephoning 07510 993922.
More information and a screening questionnaire can be found on the Bristol Dog Arthritis study website.
The research team are also looking for healthy dogs over six years of age and of the same weight that are fit and well to participate in the study as a part of the control group.