Osteoarthritis
OAOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage wears down and the underlying bone and surrounding tissues change, producing pain and stiffness.
It is the most common form of arthritis in both people and companion animals. Weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine are frequently affected, along with the hands in humans and the elbows and hips in dogs. Typical features include aching that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest that eases with movement, reduced range of motion, and bony enlargement of the joint. Risk rises with age, previous injury, excess body weight and genetics.
Diagnosis combines the history and examination with X-rays showing joint space narrowing and bone spurs; in animals a veterinarian may add gait analysis and owner questionnaires. Cannabinoids have been studied in osteoarthritis in both human and canine trials, with mixed results in people and small preliminary studies in dogs, and no established use exists in either.