Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common and serious animal health and welfare problem in dogs. It can significantly affect their quality of life.
Signs of arthritis
Signs that your dog could have arthritis include slowing down, stiff legs, reluctance to walk, licking or chewing joints, snapping, or yelping when touched, and difficulty getting up, climbing stairs and jumping.
If you think your dog might have arthritis, make an appointment with your vet to ensure a proper diagnosis as other conditions can mimic arthritis.
Risk factors for arthritis
Genetics, breed, conformation (e.g., body shape and leg size), joint conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia), body weight, sex and desexing, age, exercise, and injuries can influence the development of arthritis [1].
Arthritis management
Arthritis is painful, and the longer that pain goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Dogs with arthritis must see a vet and receive effective and evidence-based treatment.
Treatment options include anti-inflammatories, drugs to treat chronic pain, agents that minimise cartilage breakdown, and stem cell therapy [2, 3]. Other important ways to manage arthritis include responsible breeding for joint health, weight management, and activity modification (e.g., shorter walks on even ground, avoiding stairs, covering slippery floors, using a ramp to get in and out of the car). Management differs between individuals, and your vet will be able to discuss the best treatment options for your dog.
There is some evidence that expertly delivered veterinary hydrotherapy [4] and physiotherapy [5], as part of a broader treatment plan, may have some benefits for dogs with arthritis. However, in the wrong hands these additional strategies can do more harm than good [6].
There are many ‘joint supplements’ on the market but many of these lack robust evidence to support their use, and they should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments [7].
For more information see your vet.
References
[1] Anderson KL, Zulch H, O’Neill DG, Meeson RL, Collins LM (2020) Risk factors for canine osteoarthritis and its predisposing arthropathies: a systematic review. Frontiers in veterinary science 7:220
[2] Pye C, Bruniges N, Peffers M, Comerford E (2022) Advances in the pharmaceutical treatment options for canine osteoarthritis. Journal of Small Animal Practice
[3] Henrotin Y, Sanchez C, Balligand M (2005) Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical management of canine osteoarthritis: Present and future perspectives. The Veterinary Journal 170:113–123
[4] Cartlidge H (2015) Hydrotherapy for the osteoarthritic dog: why might it help and is there any evidence? The Veterinary Nurse 6:600–606
[5] Brundell K (2011) Canine osteoarthritis: improving quality of life. The Veterinary Nurse 2:460–467
[6] Canine Arthritis Management (2023) Managing arthritis.
[7] Lowe RJ (2020) Evidence for the use of supplements in canine arthritis management. Veterinary Nursing Journal 35:354–358
