Researchers to develop blood-based panel to detect canine osteoarthritis earlier

The Scotland-based veterinary diagnostics company MI:RNA has received funding from Scotland’s national and international economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to support the development of a tool that can help detect osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs earlier. In the United Kingdom, approximately 10 million dogs—about 20% of the canine population—are affected by OA, and an estimated 14 million dogs are affected in the United States.^1,2

In a news release announcing the funding, MI:RNA said the funds will help advance research and the development of a noninvasive diagnostic tool that integrates advanced modeling with a novel microRNA expression panel.¹ According to the company, the technology aims to provide a more accurate, accessible, and cost-effective method for detecting OA early in dogs.

MicroRNAs are cellular RNA fragments that regulate gene expression. For this project, researchers with MI:RNA will use blood samples from dogs with OA and from healthy control dogs to validate a blood-based biomarker panel that, when paired with advanced modeling, may lead to more accurate OA diagnoses.

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Current OA diagnostic methods rely on clinical observation and imaging, such as x-rays, arthroscopy, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. During a physical exam, veterinarians observe the patient’s gait and posture, palpate for abnormal changes to the joints, and look for signs of pain.³

MI:RNA noted that these methods can be costly, invasive, and open to interpretation, adding that the project “will address these limitations” through its blood-based biomarker panel. “This project represents benefits for the wider veterinary world by combining the precision of microRNA profiling with the power of advanced modeling. We aim to give veterinarians a smarter and faster way to detect osteoarthritis, improving outcomes for dogs. The tool will improve diagnosis without the need for complex imaging or subjective interpretation,” Robert Coultous, chief scientific officer of MI:RNA, said in the announcement.¹

“For the estimated 10 million dogs and their owners in the UK, this means earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment and happier pets,” he continued. “It also strengthens the market position of veterinary practices that adopt advanced diagnostics and reinforces the role of biotechnology in driving value across the sector.”

Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will provide support for the research. One of the largest’s canine health studies in the US, the Lifetime Study aims to identify nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for diseases in dogs.⁴

References

1. Scottish company awarded grant to use advanced modelling to diagnose osteoarthritis earlier in dogs. News release. MI:RNA. October 9, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025.
2. Understanding osteoarthritis in our senior pets. Morris Animal Foundation. July 3, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20about,top%20health%20concern%20for%20owners.
3. Osteoarthritis. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/osteoarthritis#:~:text=OA%20is%20diagnosed%20after%20a,diagnose%20any%20underlying%20orthopedic%20conditions.
4. McGivney C, Diehl K. Advancing compassion and science. dvm360. March 14, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/advancing-compassion-and-science

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