Arthritis in Dogs: Signs, Causes and Management

Arthritis is very common in dogs. According to Canine Arthritis Management, it affects over 80% of older dogs and may affect up to 35% of dogs of other ages. The proper name for it is osteoarthritis and it’s a major cause of chronic pain in humans and dogs alike. Although some dogs have obvious signs of pain, early on in the process the signs and symptoms of dog arthritis can be subtle and may even just be slight behavioural differences. In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs, from signs, to causes, management, and how else you can help improve the lives of dogs with arthritis in your home.

Any word that ends in -itis means inflammation. Osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joints. In a normal, healthy joint, the surface of the bones are smooth and  covered in thick cartilage. The joint is filled with a viscous fluid that, with the cartilage, acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, much like a well-oiled machine. In arthritis, new spiky bone is formed around the joint, the cartilage becomes thin and worn and the joint fluid becomes watery. All of this together becomes a vicious circle of ongoing damage. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important, so that the condition can be caught before the joints are too far gone.

What are the causes and risk factors for arthritis in dogs?

Most often occurring in older dogs, arthritis is simply from years of wear and tear, but there are also other very specific causes and risk factors for arthritis. 

• Age. As mentioned, most arthritis in dogs is seen in older animals, but very young animals may also get it due to developmental problems.

• Breed. 

  • Inherited disease. Some breeds have high levels of inherited disease such as hip and elbow problems. These include Labradors, retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs and bulldogs, to name just a few.

  • Size. In general, large and giant breeds are more prone to joint issues because of their sheer skeletal size and weight.

  • Shape. Some breeds, like dachshunds and Jack Russells, have been bred to have very short, twisted legs. In legs like this, the joints don’t line up properly, and this can put an abnormal load on the joints, leading to damage.

• Weight. Overweight dogs put more strain on their bodies, including their joints. Keeping your dog slim from puppyhood to old age is one of the best things you can do for their health and lifespan.

• Injuries. One-off injuries such as a road traffic accident can also cause arthritis.

• Repetitive exercise. Dogs that do lots of agility or hours of repetitive fetching games will have more abnormal strain on their joints than dogs that are exercised more naturally.

• Infectious or immune-mediated arthritis. This is much rarer but can happen.

The most common signs of arthritis in dogs are:

• Stiffness, especially on getting up after a period of rest. 
• Limping
• Reluctance to go up and down stairs
• Reluctance to jump, e.g. into the car or onto the settee
• Being fearful of slippery floors such as laminates or tiles
• Unusual aggression when touched or approached
• Standing or sitting in an odd position
• Shifting weight from one leg to another

As you can see, some of these signs could be very easy to miss, and as always, the more you know what’s normal for your dog, the earlier you will spot signs of problems. Also, do bear in mind that dogs can have flare-ups of arthritis, for example, after a very long unaccustomed walk.

The short answer is, the sooner the better. Arthritis really is one of those conditions where the earlier you find out what’s going on, the better you can support your dog. Fundamentally, we don’t want our dogs to be in pain. Many vets hear pet parents say things like, “He’s not in pain, he just limps occasionally.” Such dogs most certainly are in pain and are probably in pain all the time, only limping when they’re feeling even worse. If you notice any of the signs above, please see your vet as soon as you can.

Diagnosis

All diagnostic processes start with a thorough history and a head-to-tail physical examination. Your vet will want to palpate your dog’s limbs and back and flex and extend all their joints to see if there is obvious swelling, laxity, heat or pain. They will also make sure there is nothing else obviously wrong. After this, your vet may want to perform some or all of the following:

• Joint taps to get fluid samples
• Joint endoscopy
• Radiographs (x-rays)
• CT or MRI scans
• Blood and urine tests to check for underlying disease or comorbidities

Management of arthritis in dogs and lifestyle changes

Managing arthritis is best done using lots of different modalities which all come together to hopefully keep your dog as pain-free as possible. Your vet will help you make the best plan for your individual dog, and management may consist of any or all of the following:

• Medication. There are many medications available that work in different ways to control chronic pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. These are really helpful for keeping dogs with arthritis mobile. 
• Nutrition or supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are important natural anti-inflammatories and aid joint health. Some dietetic foods are prepared specifically with very high levels of omega-3s to help preserve joint cartilage and improve mobility. Always speak to your vet before starting your dog on a new food.
• Environmental modification. Have a close look at your house and consider where you can provide non-slip flooring or mats, install ramps and think about extra comfortable bedding.
• Exercise and weight loss. Your vet may recommend a weight-loss diet and regime. Dogs with arthritis do better with short, frequent walks rather than occasional long ones.
• Surgery. There are also surgical options for dogs with joint issues, including total joint replacements. Not all dogs will be candidates, but it may be an option, especially in younger dogs.