In reply to kipper12:
I'm a vet. Deal with alot of lame dogs.
There's many drugs and treatments for osteoarthritis these days.
There are several nsaids similar to metacam. Some claim to have a better safety profile.
Galliprant is a newer drug that isn't a Cox inhibitor and is safe for dogs with renal problems. I find it not as effective but maybe worth trying.
A more recent drug.....Librela.....is worth checking out. Its a monoclonal antibody against nerve growth factor. Has good safety profile and ideal if has iffy kidneys.
Other meds.....paracetamol at the correct dose can help but ask your vet as not licenced. Tramadol has been used but now thought not very effective for oa pain. Gabapentin. Amantadine.
I'd check and try Librela. I think there may be some supply problems with this at the moment though.
Good hydrotherapy.
It may be There's a surgical solution too depending on the problem.
Hope that helps abit.