Table 6.

Evaluation opportunities applicable for “all-stages” (COASTeR Stage 0–4) and listed according to life stage, the definition of which will vary with breed life expectancy (26).

Life stage	Evaluation opportunities	Objectives
Puppy	Health check and first vaccinations	•Introduce COAST/Familiarize pet caregivers with the concept/terminology •Begin pet caregiver/ pet owner disease education about OA (reduce risk factors) •De-sexing discussion (positives, negatives, and timing) •Identify any individuals that could benefit from preventive surgery
Young adult	Health check	•Assess COAST/COASTeR Stage to determine an individual baseline and open discussion about OA (e.g., at-risk breeds) •Dietary/nutrition discussions •Growth rate monitoring •Body weight monitoring •Determining body and muscle condition score •Exercise plan •Ongoing pet caregiver education •Pre-neuter discussion (if still applicable)
Mature adult	OA education programs	•Focused OA education program for pet caregivers (continue engagement and encouragement) •Assess COAST/COASTeR Stage (for adult dog baseline or if any changes/cause for concern)
	Annual health check	•Evaluation for clinical signs of OA •Ongoing pet caregiver education (brief) •Recommend a follow-up COAST/COASTeR evaluation if necessary
Senior	Senior/geriatric wellness	•Increase the frequency of OA evaluation visits for senior dogs. Consider breed size and average life expectancy (i.e., dogs entering the last 25% of their estimated lifespan). •Conduct a COAST/COASTeR evaluation or re-evaluation
All ages	Opportune	•Quick evaluation for clinical signs of OA •Ongoing pet caregiver education (brief) •Recommend a follow-up COAST/COASTeR evaluation if necessary