Arthritis and joint problems in dogs

Arthritis and joint problems in dogs.
What is osteoarthritis in dogs?
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs?
Do you suspect that your dog suffers from osteoarthritis? Do you know which symptoms you should check for?
Here we list common symptoms.
Suspected osteoarthritis in dogs:
Stiffness - can appear especially if the dog has moved a lot or rested.
Lameness – this is one of the first signs that your dog has osteoarthritis. Also pay attention to signals such as not wanting to jump, climb stairs or go for a brisk walk. If the dog has had osteoarthritis for a long time, this can lead to your dog experiencing pain even at rest. The dog can show this by being anxious, having trouble settling down or changing sleeping positions frequently. This can cause the dog to be up a lot at night and have difficulty getting a restful night.
Changed behavior – may be not wanting to play or do things they used to love.
Gnawing/licking - if the dog is in pain, behaviors such as gnawing and licking abnormally can develop. Especially in places such as elbows, legs or paws.
Remember that an early detection helps you slow down the development and act preventively!
Did you know that the Swedish DjurApoteket has supplements in the joints & mobility category?
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a long-term joint disease and is a common cause of joint pain, lameness and stiffness. The condition usually affects middle-aged to older dogs. Younger dogs can also be affected if they have underlying joint problems such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia or have a previous injury to a joint. Dogs of medium to large size are most at risk, but osteoarthritis can also affect smaller dog breeds.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint where there is cartilage. It occurs mostly in the elbow joints, hip joints, knee joints and ankle joints.
Why does a dog get osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can occur for various reasons. The usual cause is abnormal load or extreme excess weight. Poor and uneven muscles due to lack of physical activity can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is usually characterized by gradual deterioration in one or more joints at the same time.
In addition, osteoarthritis can result from congenital problems or growth disorders such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. When the joint surfaces do not fit together correctly, they constantly play against each other, which leads to abnormal stress on the joint cartilage and joint capsule. This load can be long-lasting or occur suddenly during, for example, intense play where the dog makes sharp turns or brakes. Furthermore, previous injuries affecting the joint, such as cruciate ligament injuries or old fractures that have not healed properly, can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can also occur after patellar dislocation, which is when the kneecap dislocates. This usually leads to wear and tear in the knee joint, which in turn can result in osteoarthritis. Age also has a contributing factor, older dogs and cats have a greater chance of being exposed to osteoarthritis as the articular cartilage has worn down.
Do sore and painful joints only affect older dogs?:
Every fifth dog has some kind of joint problem. Osteoarthritis is often perceived as part of aging. It is known today that hip dysplasia and elbow osteoarthritis lead to chronic inflammation in the affected joint. Excess weight and incorrect postures can also increase the load on the joints.
Seek veterinary help!
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis, contact the vet as soon as possible.
If you want to read more about osteoarthritis in dogs, you can read an SLU study about it here.
What can you as a dog owner do:
- Keep an eye on the weight, excess weight can strain your dog's joints.
- Prevent and improve at home, give your animal a soft bed. Have raised food bowls. Avoid getting into cars and climbing stairs.
- Exercise and keep your dog in good physical shape. It counteracts stiff joints and preserves mobility. Avoid monotonous exercise such as cycling or long runs.
- Rehab training and water training give your dog the chance to maintain and build up its strength and musculature.
- Give your dog a cartilage-building food supplement. The Swedish DjurApoteket has joint supplements from Junior to Senior.
- Seek help from your veterinarian early for problems such as lameness or other signs of osteoarthritis.
It is usually only after the pain has disappeared that your dog regains mobility. That's when you as a dog owner notice how stiff and painful your dog has really been! Many owners perceive that their dog becomes younger in connection with the use of supplements. Swedish DjurApotek's Green-lipped clam or LedMax+, which are joint supplements from the Joints & Mobility category.