February at Canine Arthritis Matters focuses on identification — and in this episode we explore what early identification of osteoarthritis could look like in the future.

Hannah Capon is joined by Dr Eva Hanks, CEO and founder of MI:RNA, to discuss the emerging role of microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers in detecting canine osteoarthritis at a molecular level.

We know that most dogs are diagnosed with OA once structural damage is already present. Subtle behavioural, postural and gait changes are often missed or dismissed. So what if we could detect disease before radiographic change, before overt lameness, before chronic pain becomes entrenched?

Dr Hanks explains what miRNAs are, how they function biologically, and why they may act as measurable indicators of early pathological change. This conversation explores the human evidence base, the current state of canine research, the challenges of variability between breeds and individuals, and whether the veterinary profession is ready to adopt biomarker technology as part of routine identification strategies.

This is a forward-looking discussion about moving from subjective suspicion to objective identification — and what that could mean for the future of canine osteoarthritis management.

Guest Bio

Dr Eva Hanks is CEO and founder of MI:RNA, a veterinary diagnostics company focused on early disease identification through biomarker technology combined with artificial intelligence. MI:RNA is a spin-out from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Dr Hanks began her career in busy mixed practice before returning to academia to complete an advanced certificate, followed by a PhD in immunology. She later worked as a clinical pathologist before launching MI:RNA in 2019, bringing together research, clinical insight and diagnostic innovation to improve early disease detection in companion animals.

5 Key Takeaways

1. We currently identify osteoarthritis too late, often after structural joint damage and chronic pain patterns are established.

2. MicroRNAs are regulatory molecules that reflect active biological processes and may allow identification of osteoarthritis at a molecular stage before visible joint changes occur.

3. Human meta-analyses show strong diagnostic accuracy for miRNAs in OA, but robust canine validation is essential before widespread clinical adoption.

4. Objective biomarkers could complement clinical assessment, helping bridge the gap between caregiver-reported subtle changes and definitive diagnosis.

5. Early identification opens the door to earlier lifestyle modification, weight management, activity optimisation and targeted intervention — shifting OA management towards prevention of progression rather than reaction to damage.

Relevant Links

MI:RNA

https://www.mirna.co.uk

Scottish Rural College (SRUC)

https://www.sruc.ac.uk

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Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.