Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 20% of adult dogs. In the United States alone, that accounts for approximately 14 million adult dogs! There is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, however a multimodal plan that includes promotion of ideal body weight / condition, chondroprotectants, nutraceuticals, and pain management can be very helpful for improving quality of life in affected patients. Tramadol is commonly prescribed by veterinarians as part of the management of pain in dogs with OA. In this Specialty Update we present and discuss the findings of a very well-designed study that examined the effect of tramadol in alleviating the pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs - as compared to placebo and carprofen. Information that all pet owners and veterinary care providers should consider as they devise plans for managing dogs with osteoarthritis. Running time: 6 mins Free registration for Premium Membership subscribers http://vetvine.com/article/181/evidence-based-update-subscriptions). Basic Member Fee: $7.95