In the Literature
Corral C. Canine osteoarthritis affecting the digits. UK Vet Companion Anim. 2025;30(10). doi:10.12968/coan.2025.000
The Research …
Osteoarthritis (OA) that affects the digits is underrecognized and underreported compared with OA of larger joints.
In this review, digital OA was frequently described as an incidental finding, likely reflecting subtle clinical presentation and incomplete examination of the distal limbs in routine practice.1 Although any digit can be affected, weight-bearing digits (particularly digits 3 and 4) are most commonly involved, and multiple joints may be affected concurrently.
Pathogenesis appears multifactorial. Digital OA may arise secondary to trauma (especially in sporting dogs), chronic overload, or compensatory weight shifting associated with proximal joint disease. Altered biomechanics (eg, increased thoracic limb loading, uneven weight distribution) likely play a significant role. Risk factors (eg, obesity, repetitive athletic activity) can contribute to disease development and progression.2
Clinical signs are often subtle and may include intermittent lameness, licking of the feet, nail wear abnormalities, and/or periarticular thickening of the digit. In many cases, signs are attributed to more proximal pathology, leading to underdiagnosis. Radiographic changes mirror OA elsewhere (eg, osteophytosis, subchondral sclerosis, soft-tissue swelling), but imaging is infrequently pursued unless suspicion is high.1
Management is multimodal (eg, pharmacologic analgesia, weight management, rehabilitation, environmental modification) and parallels OA treatment in other joints. Some therapeutic strategies, however, are uniquely important for the digits, particularly those targeting load distribution, surface interaction, and local joint mobility.
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
Digital OA is frequently missed without a systematic approach; therefore, palpation and range of motion assessment of the individual distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints should be performed, with comparison to joints on other limbs for periarticular thickening, reduced mobility, and pain. Subtle findings (eg, asymmetric nail wear, digit rotation or splaying, mild swelling) may be more informative than overt lameness.
Many cases of digital OA are secondary to compensatory overload from proximal limb pathology or pelvic limb weakness. The entire patient should be evaluated, including weight distribution, posture, and concurrent orthopedic disease. Incorporation of weight management and strengthening strategies to reduce ongoing stress on the digits is also necessary.
Targeted rehabilitation therapies (eg, passive range of motion, controlled loading exercises, hydrotherapy) can improve mobility and reduce stiffness while also addressing global strength and compensation. Adjunct modalities (eg, laser therapy, shockwave therapy) are particularly well suited to digital joints and may enhance analgesia and tissue response. Environmental modification (eg, avoiding uneven or high-impact surfaces, use of protective boots) can reduce mechanical irritation.
Local and interventional therapies are helpful when disease is focal. Because digital joints are superficial and accessible, intra-articular injections can be a practical option in select cases, as these injections may provide meaningful pain relief and should be considered alongside systemic analgesia, particularly when one or a few joints are causing clinical signs.
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