Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and How To Help Your Dog

Osteoarthritis in dogs is a degenerative condition caused from the breakdown of cartilage within the joints. Without cartilage protecting the joints, they rub together and cause pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.

If you think your dog may have osteoarthritis, you should talk with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and to discuss ways to improve their comfort, such as starting prescription pain medications like Galliprant (grapiprant tablets), joint supplements, or physical therapy, among others.

What Is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

Osteoarthritis in dogs refers to the breakdown of joints. This chronic disease occurs in roughly 25% of dogs, is irreversible, and is most common in senior pets. However, osteoarthritis is not limited to senior pets, and signs, such as stiffness, limping, or other mobility changes, should be checked by a veterinarian rather than attributing them to normal aging changes.

Dogs with osteoarthritis lose cartilage (the soft tissue that cushions the joint) over time. They can also develop small bony pieces within the joint that can cause pain and swelling in the affected leg.
 
Most cases of dog osteoarthritis occur as secondary conditions to diseases, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Other risk factors of osteoarthritis in dogs include body condition, obesity, sex, amount of exercise they get, and diet. 

For PetMD's complete guide to arthritis in dogs, click here. For the Spanish version, click here.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Signs of osteoarthritis in dogs typically involve changes in their mobility, activity level, posture, or gait and become more noticeable as the condition progresses. Most commonly, dogs will show: 

• Decreased willingness to play or exercise, as well as decreased energy in overall activity
• Stiffness or lameness, such as a difficulty moving from sitting to standing
• A change in their posture and gait
• Limping
• Bunny hopping (when both back legs are held tightly together, hopping like a rabbit)
• Shifting weight while walking to favor different legs
• Swollen joints

What Causes Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

Osteoarthritis in dogs can develop without a known cause or as a result of an injury or another condition affecting the joints. Veterinarians classify these causes as primary or secondary.

Primary osteoarthritis in dogs: has no identifiable underlying cause (idiopathic), or is associated with aging.

Secondary osteoarthritis in dogs: develops because of another condition, such as: 

• Injury 
• Obesity
• Hip or elbow dysplasia 
• Cruciate ligament tear
• Patellar luxation

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which means the joints continue to deteriorate as the dog ages.

When To Call Your Vet

While senior dogs have an increased risk for osteoarthritis due to the natural deterioration of their joints, any mobility changes should not simply be attributed to aging. Additionally, this degenerative joint disease in dogs is not limited to seniors.

If your dog is experiencing any type of mobility changes, such as limping or stiffness, you should always call your veterinarian for an evaluation. An accurate diagnosis can be made and an effective treatment plan can be started to ensure your dog’s comfort.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

Osteoarthritis in dogs is diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging.

Typically, veterinarians start by observing the dog’s walking, trotting, and running patterns. During the physical exam, they will feel for swelling or effusion (excess fluid in the joint) and note any decreased range of motion in a dog’s joints. They’ll also check for thickening around the joint, crepitus (rubbing and friction of bone and cartilage), or muscle atrophy (wasting away) in muscle size between similar joints. The exam may be done with your dog sedated to prevent pain.  

In addition to a physical exam, your vet may recommend: 

• Radiographs (X-ray) 
• Blood work, if medication is to be prescribed 
• Joint fluid analysis to rule out infection or, in some cases, cancer
• Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI 
• Force plate gait analysis, which measures the force exerted between a paw and the ground when walking or standing still 
• Endoscopy of the affected joints, using a specialized thin tubing with a tiny camera and instruments that can visualize and sometimes treat problem areas 

Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Treatment of OA in dogs often involves a combination of therapies to help control pain and inflammation and to support mobility. This is what’s known as a “multimodal” approach. Your veterinarian can help determine which options are best for your dog.

Medications

Oral or injectable medications may be prescribed to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Commonly prescribed medications may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control inflammation and pain, such as Galliprant. Galliprant is a pork-flavored chewable tablet for dogs, given once a day, to control pain and inflammation associated with OA.

• Monoclonal antibodies to reduce pain and discomfort
• Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans to reduce pain and cartilage loss
• Joint injections to restore joint cartilage and decrease pain

Always follow your veterinarian's guidance carefully when it comes to giving prescription medications. These medications can have serious side effects if given inappropriately.

Joint Supplements for Dogs

Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and joint swelling and support healthy joint function.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies may be used alongside other treatments to help manage osteoarthritis pain and improve mobility in dogs.

These include acupuncture, laser therapy, and physical rehabilitation including hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercise, such as massage and stretching.

Chiropractic manipulation and stem cell therapy have also been helpful for some dogs. There has been some promising research and individual success stories regarding these therapies.   

Surgery

In some cases, surgery—such as a total hip replacement or femoral head and neck ostectomy—may be recommended to limit pain associated with inflammation.

Recovery and Management of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management to help control pain, maintain mobility, and support a good quality of life. A dog's management plan may include weight management, appropriate exercise, medications, rehabilitation, and other supportive care recommended by their veterinarian.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage OA in dogs include:

• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on a dog's joints. If your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may recommend a weight-loss plan.
• Diet: Your veterinarian may recommend a special veterinary diet as part of your dog's overall management plan to support an optimal weight and mobility.
• Low-impact exercise: Regular, controlled movement can help support mobility. Depending on what your dog can comfortably tolerate, your veterinarian may recommend short walks, stretching, or swimming.
• Supportive devices: Some dogs may benefit from supportive knee or back braces when recommended by a veterinarian.

Dogs recovering from surgery or those with mobility limitations may also benefit from a veterinarian-directed rehabilitation plan. Depending on the dog's needs, this may include physical rehabilitation, massage, therapeutic exercises, swimming, or underwater treadmill therapy.

While canine osteoarthritis cannot be cured, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life when their pain and mobility are appropriately managed. Because osteoarthritis can change over time, monitor your dog for new or worsening signs of pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving, and let your veterinarian know about any changes.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

It’s difficult to prevent osteoarthritis in dogs since normal wear and tear on the joints contributes to the disease.

However, pet parents can proactively start their dogs on joint supplements or a dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints and slow the development of osteoarthritis.