Which of the following best describes a multimodal pain-management plan to minimize reliance on NSAIDs for a senior dog with osteoarthritis?

• A. Weight management only
• B. Weight management, physical therapy, environmental enrichment, and NSAIDs when needed with renal monitoring
• C. NSAIDs without monitoring
• D. Gabapentin only

Answer: (B)

Managing osteoarthritis in a senior dog isn’t about a single fix; it’s about combining several strategies to reduce pain, protect joints, and keep the dog active, while limiting reliance on NSAIDs. Weight management matters because extra weight places extra stress on arthritic joints, so shedding pounds decreases mechanical load and often lessens pain and stiffness. Physical therapy helps by improving joint range of motion, maintaining or increasing muscle support around the joints, and promoting better function, which can reduce the perceived pain during movement. Environmental enrichment supports a safer, more comfortable daily routine—think non-slip surfaces, accessible resting spots, and ramps or gentle activity that encourages controlled movement without overloading painful joints. Using NSAIDs only when needed, and with renal monitoring, addresses the need for effective short-term pain relief while guarding kidney health, especially important in older dogs who may have subclinical kidney changes or other comorbidities. Alternative strategies, like gabapentin alone, don’t address the mechanical and functional aspects of OA as comprehensively, and using NSAIDs without monitoring increases risk. This combination targets pain relief, function, and safety, making it the most balanced, practical approach for minimizing NSAID reliance in a senior dog with osteoarthritis.