|a4= When osteoarthritis is present and appears to have occurred insidiously, the prognosis is guarded. <br>Even if the problem is resolved in the short term, the owner needs to be warned that the lameness could recur at any time, and on subsequent occasions it may be refractory to further treatment. | |a4= When osteoarthritis is present and appears to have occurred insidiously, the prognosis is guarded. <br>Even if the problem is resolved in the short term, the owner needs to be warned that the lameness could recur at any time, and on subsequent occasions it may be refractory to further treatment. |