Searching for New Analgesic Targets for Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain

In the United States, 20 percent to 40 percent of dogs are affected by osteoarthritis-related (OA) pain. This condition also is a leading cause of euthanasia in dogs. The only approved drugs for treatment frequently fall short in managing pain and some have devastating side effects. Researchers will study tissue samples from affected dogs to learn more about the mechanisms responsible for OA pain. A better understanding of the pain process will provide a foundation for future studies on how to turn off or suppress these mechanisms, opening the door for the discovery of novel, effective and safe pain relief options for dogs with OA pain.