﻿ Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes on MedicineNet

Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects one or more joints. Most cases occur in dogs with an inherited orthopedic disease such as osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia, or those with a joint injury. Some cases of arthritis are related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint infection.

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects one out of five dogs during their lifetime. The problem isn't confined to older dogs. Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, patella luxation, joint trauma, and other joint conditions can cause degenerative arthritis, even in young dogs. Large-breed dogs are affected more often than small dogs. Heavy dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints.



Treating Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease is incurable, but treatment can substantially improve the dog's life. Treatment involves physical therapy and weight control, the use of analgesics and corticosteroids to relieve pain and improve function, and the use of chondroprotective agents to repair joint cartilage and prevent further damage. Acupuncture is another therapy that has shown good results for arthritic dogs. All of these should be used at the same time.

Acupuncture and physical therapy are alternative or additional ways to make arthritic dogs comfortable.

In severe cases, surgical fusion of painful joints, such as the hock or elbow, relieves pain and restores limb movement in some dogs.