Dog arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is very common in dogs. DJD occurs when the cartilage (firm, connective tissue that protects the ends of bones) within a joint is worn away. This lack of cartilage in the joint can cause chronic unbearable pain and can lead to poor quality of life. Dogs with degenerative joint disease most commonly have pain in their lower back, elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and hocks (the equivalent of our ankles). Studies indicate that as many 1 in 5 dogs may have DJD. You may think that DJD only occurs in older dogs, however even young dogs can get it. You just might not notice it until their condition worsens with age.
Your Role in the Diagnosis
You are crucial in finding out if your dog has DJD because you know their normal temperament, disposition, routines, and activities. Any change in your dog’s normal behavior may be a sign of pain. Keep a notebook and write down your dog’s normal behavior, any changes, and/or new behaviors. To identify changes, compare your dog's daily behaviors and reactions in various situations to when they were young adults. Any changes in your dog’s normal behavior can mean your dog is either in pain, sick, or stressed. These are all reasons to contact us right away.
There are four stages of DJD:
Stage 1 Growing or young dogs show intermittent lameness (lasting seconds to a few minutes)
Stage 2 Young dogs with intermittent lameness lasting few hours
Stage 3 Adult dogs with exercise intolerances and difficulty with daily routines
Stage 4 Older dogs unable to walk
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Your Dog
Dogs can be more noticeable since we walk them daily and can take notice of changes in activity tolerance and mobility. How ever you can have a dog that can be very difficult to pick up that it is in pain because the signs are subtle and difficult to identify. Some dogs have a natural instinct to hide or mask signs of pain or weakness. A smaller dog that is carried a lot may not show the symptoms like those who are encouraged get around on their own. Dogs may exhibit more pain in one leg so there is a noticeable limp. Discomfort with walking is also easier to recognize in dogs because they are usually taken on walks outdoors. If your dog displays any of the following changes, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Decreased jumping up or down, or not jumping as high as before
- Difficulty or hesitancy going up or down stairs; slower on stairs
- Stiffness
- Less active and playful
- Withdrawn, hiding, or increased “clinginess”
- Decreased grooming or over-grooming a painful area
- Aggressive when handled or towards another pet
- House-soiling (urine or stool)
Management of the Pain
If your dog has been diagnosed with DJD, there are excellent treatments for this condition. So don’t delay, contact us or your primary veterinary practice (if you were referred to us) if you notice any possible signs. Please remember to NEVER give your dog any medication without direction from your veterinarian. This includes over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen (i.e. Advil or Motrin), acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol), or aspirin. Some of these drugs can be deadly.
- Once a diagnosis is made, call us or your primary veterinary practice (if you were referred to us) to help develop a treatment plan for your dog.
- Treatment includes both medication, physical therapy and simple changes in your home to allow your dog to maintain their normal behaviors.