What can Arthritis look like in your pet?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in dogs and may affect up to 30% of the population.  It more often manifests in older dogs and can have vague and non-specific signs, such as

• reluctance to exercise
• decreased overall activity
• stiffness
• lameness
• inability to jump
• changes in gait such as ‘bunny hopping’
• pain on manipulation of joints
• behavioural changes such as aggression, and restlessness at night.

It is a chronic disease in dogs and arises mostly as a sequel to joint problems like cranial cruciate ligament disease, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.  There is loss of the cartilage within the joint as well as new bone formation around the joint.  Both of these changes contribute to inflammation and pain within the joint.

Diagnosis is made on physical examination and confirmed with X-rays or other advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans.