Dr. Robin Downing revisits multimodal osteoarthritis pain care

CURRENT BRIEF VERSION: Practical advice on managing osteoarthritis pain is getting renewed attention in veterinary medicine, as Clinician’s Brief spotlighted a sponsored podcast conversation between pain specialist Dr. Robin Downing and host Dr. Beth Molleson on moving “beyond NSAIDs” in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. The discussion centers on a multimodal approach, with Downing emphasizing that osteoarthritis pain control now extends beyond a single drug class and should combine pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, along with better communication with pet parents about recognizing pain earlier. That framing is consistent with the 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines, which describe chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially osteoarthritis, as a major focus of small animal pain care and recommend a tiered, multimodal treatment model rather than relying on any one intervention alone. A related Clinician’s Brief podcast with sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Matt Brunke reinforces the same point from a mobility perspective, highlighting obesity, inactivity, environmental setup, and rehab-style exercise as practical drivers of joint health in both dogs and cats. (cliniciansbrief.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the practical takeaway is less about a new product launch and more about standardizing chronic pain conversations and case management. Current guidance supports combining validated pain assessment tools, weight and body condition management, rehabilitation and environmental modification, and selected therapeutics based on species, comorbidities, and caregiver capacity. Brunke’s mobility discussion adds useful day-to-day context: cats are often overlooked despite high obesity rates and age-related primary OA, while dogs may need plans that address not just arthritis but ligament injury recovery, muscle maintenance, traction, and safe activity at home. That matters because osteoarthritis is often underrecognized, especially in cats, and pain signs may show up first as behavior or mobility changes that pet parents don’t identify as pain. Recent feline guidance has also sharpened attention on long-term NSAID use, underscoring the need for individualized risk-benefit assessment, monitoring, and realistic treatment planning in chronic cases. (jaaha.kglmeridian.com)

What to watch: Expect continued emphasis on earlier diagnosis, multimodal protocols, and integration of newer OA pain options such as species-specific monoclonal antibodies alongside established tools like NSAIDs, rehab, weight management, and practical mobility support in the home. (fda.gov)