An owners guide to arthritis in dogs

Arthritis in dogs is a condition that occurs when the joints become inflamed. This can be the result of injury or disease. This condition is most common in older dogs, but can also occur in younger canines. So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

Various things can cause dog arthritis. The most common is a traumatic injury that affects the joints, such as being hit by a car. As mentioned earlier, various diseases can also affect the joints and cause this condition.

Obese dogs have a higher risk for developing arthritis. This is because their excess weight causes more force to be applied to the joints. Young dogs that have improperly developed bones are also at risk.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of arthritis in dogs is limping. Your dog will be much more hesitant to walk, run, or jump around because of the pain caused by this condition. Also, your pet may not like you touching him because of the pain. Arthritis commonly causes the affected joints to swell up also.

Diagnosis

This condition is mainly diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. The veterinarian may also palpate the joints to see if they’re swollen. Since joint changes can occur because of arthritis, it’s also useful to have an x-ray. Fluid from the affected joints can also be removed and analyzed.

Treatment

Arthritis in dogs is most commonly treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Reducing inflammation will reduce the amount of pain your dog experiences. If a traumatic injury is the underlying cause of arthritis, then surgery may be required to repair the ligaments. Dogs that are overweight will find relief once they lose weight.