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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
20% of dogs over 1 year of age in the United States are believed to be suffering from osteoarthritis. However, many dogs with this disease remain undiagnosed and never get the treatment they need. The two major categories of joint problems are developmental and degenerative problems. With developmental problems, you have things like hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joint does not develop correctly in a number of different ways. Degenerative problems cover a number of areas. But the most common, and the most common cause of arthritis in dogs, is cruciate ligament problems, where the ligament is degenerating over time and causing instability and secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can be treated but cannot be cured — that’s why it’s important for you to continue to treat your dog’s arthritis even if he or she seems better. As the disease progresses, there can be additional destruction of cartilage and damage to other parts of the joint, as well as production of extra bone around the joint. Are some breeds more prone to Osteoarthritis? A: In general, increased size and weight is always a predisposer of joint problems. So the poster children for both developmental and degenerative problems are going to be the bigger dogs. But for certain things, there are very breed-specific problems. Newfoundlands have the highest prevalence of cruciate ligament disease of all breeds. Rottweilers have more knee and ankle problems. Bernese Mountain dogs commonly get elbow dysplasia. |
If your dog is showing any of the following signs of arthritis, talk to your veterinarian.
- No longer greets you at the door
- General decrease in activity or exercise
- Reluctance to walk, run, climb, jump or play
- Stiffness or decreased movement of joints
- Limping or lameness
- Difficulty rising from a resting position
- Lagging behind on walks
- Soreness when touched
- Yelping or whimpering
- Changes in personality, such as acting aggressive or withdrawn
- Flattening ears against their head
- Licking the affected area