![]() If you suspect your dog may be exhibiting signs of osteoarthritis, it is important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian, who will perform a full physical examination, including palpating your dog’s joints and assessing their range of motion. ![]() Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine.Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house.Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up.Thus, it is important to monitor middle-aged to senior dogs and those predisposed to osteoarthritis for early signs of joint disease. Some dogs can also be very stoic and will hide their pain until it becomes severe. Osteoarthritis can be difficult to detect in its early stages, and often the symptoms do not become apparent until the affected joint is badly damaged. They can help ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight and active lifestyle, and can often catch signs of osteoarthritis early before the problem becomes serious. If your dog is predisposed to developing osteoarthritis, it is especially important to stay up-to-date with regular wellness visits to your veterinarian. Infections that affect the joints, such as Lyme Disease.Prior diagnosis of hip or elbow dysplasia.Injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.Repetitive stress from athletic activities such as agility, flyball, or diving.Age, particularly middle-age to senior dogs.Large or giant breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.But there are some factors that can predispose your dog to this condition, such as: Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis in DogsĪny dog can develop osteoarthritis, particularly as they age. While any joint in the body can develop osteoarthritis, the condition most commonly affects the limbs and lower spine. The loss of this protective cushion results in pain, inflammation, decreased range of motion, and the development of bone spurs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age, injury, repetitive stress, or disease. In a healthy joint, cartilage acts as a cushion to allow the joint to move smoothly through its full range of motion. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is a progressively worsening inflammation of the joint caused by the deterioration of cartilage. Although there is no cure for this progressive condition, identifying the problem early and initiating appropriate management can help keep your dog active and improve quality of life. Osteoarthritis is a common problem in dogs, particularly in seniors and large breeds.
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