Banfield study: Osteoarthritis in pets big problem

Fifty-one percent of dogs and 41 percent of cats newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis were considered overweight or obese in 2017, according to a study published Tuesday by Vancouver-based Banfield Pet Hospital and the North American Veterinary Community of Gainesville, Fla.

The findings were contained in the organizations’ third annual Veterinary Emerging Topics Report. The 2019 VET Report examines the management of osteoarthritis in overweight and obese dogs and cats — and identifies opportunities to improve their care.

The study found key barriers preventing appropriate care for osteoarthritis pets include cost of diagnostic services and treatment; owner noncompliance; owner not recognizing their pet is in pain; and owner not accepting their pet is overweight.

“Given the growing severity of each of these conditions, Banfield and the NAVC are committed to exploring opportunities for the veterinary industry to help reverse these trends,” a news release says.

Dr. Daniel Aja, Banfield’s chief medical officer, says in the release: “As an industry, we face an uphill battle as excess weight becomes normalized and associated conditions like osteoarthritis are on the rise. With the goal of advancing pet health, our third annual VET Report provides insights into these trends and offers veterinary professionals access to information and resources they can use to manage patients with osteoarthritis.”

For more information or to download the full report, visit Banfield.com/VETReport.