OSTEOARTHRITIS AND COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN GERIATRIC DOGS: UNDERDIAGNOSED CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED THROUGH PREVENTIVE CHECK-UP

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze, through a narrative literature review, the role of the structured preventive check-up in identifying osteoarthritis and cognitive dysfunction in geriatric dogs, two conditions that remain frequently underdiagnosed in clinical practice. The bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO and the Virtual Health Library, prioritizing studies published between 2017 and 2025, of which 15 sources met the eligibility criteria. The results indicate that active clinical screening protocols reveal substantially higher prevalences of osteoarthritis and cognitive dysfunction than those recorded through formal diagnoses in routine clinical practice, with signs frequently interpreted by owners as inevitable consequences of aging. Cognitive dysfunction was associated with greater concomitant musculoskeletal impairment, suggesting a relationship between the two conditions. Veterinary physiotherapy stands out as a relevant therapeutic follow-up after the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. It is concluded that the systematic incorporation of validated screening instruments for cognitive function, pain and joint mobility into geriatric consultations is an essential strategy to reduce the underdiagnosis of these conditions and to promote quality of life and healthy longevity in senior dogs.