Questions + answers about osteoarthritis in dogs

The 10 most important questions answered by veterinarian and Zoetis expert Dr. Charlotte Reimann

1. What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disease that cannot be cured. However, pain caused by osteoarthritis can be easily treated. Pain associated with osteoarthritis has a major impact on the quality of life of both dog and owner. However, if osteoarthritis is detected early, the dog can be helped quickly and severe pain can be avoided.

2. What are the causes of osteoarthritis in dogs?
Various factors can promote the development of osteoarthritis. There are genetic causes of osteoarthritis, meaning certain breeds are affected more often than others. But the wrong diet can also play a role, especially if the animal is overweight, as every kilo puts too much strain on the ligaments and joints. Fat cells also produce inflammatory mediators that can worsen the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition, any previous trauma, a joint disease or even a surgical procedure on the joint can be a cause of osteoarthritis. Various orthopedic conditions can lead to the development of osteoarthritis by causing repeated injuries to the articular cartilage – including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, cranial cruciate ligament damage, previous fractures, or repetitive high-impact activities. This means that any excessive or incorrect strain on the joints can promote the development of osteoarthritis.

3. Which joints are most commonly affected?
In dogs, the elbow, hip and knee joints are most commonly affected. But the shoulder joint, the lower limb joints and the spinal joints can also develop osteoarthritis.

4. How common is osteoarthritis in dogs and which dogs are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is common and can occur in all dogs, regardless of breed and age. A recent study shows that 40 percent of dogs under four years of age show signs of osteoarthritis on x-rays. In addition, almost a quarter of the dogs examined also showed clinical symptoms of the disease, such as restricted movement or pain. Certain dog breeds are also more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than others. These include: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland and Rottweiler. However, this is not a complete list of all affected breeds. Osteoarthritis occurs in around 40 percent of dogs, regardless of breed.

“If we look at the studies, we see that four out of ten dogs across all breeds and age groups will develop osteoarthritis over the course of their lives.”Dr. Charlotte Reimann
Specialist in internal medicine for small animals at Zoetis Germany

5. What are signs of osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis in dogs can manifest itself both physically and through changes in behavior. If you know your dog well, you can notice the first warning signals early on. Possible physical signs include a stiff gait and problems getting up, jumping or climbing stairs. Limping or lameness and lagging behind when going for a walk can also be signs of osteoarthritis. Many dogs lick their painful joints.

Furthermore, dogs affected by osteoarthritis often show behavioral changes. They have less energy, less desire to play or show changes in their sleeping habits. Some dogs also become aggressive towards other dogs or even people.

6. Why is osteoarthritis so difficult to detect in dogs?
Osteoarthritis in dogs is difficult to recognize because the signs are often gradual and subtle, primarily in the early stages of the disease. Changes in behavior, such as reduced activity, stiffness, or difficulty standing and jumping, can easily be misinterpreted as signs of aging or fatigue. Dogs are also excellent at hiding their pain, which further complicates diagnosis. The signs often only become clear when the course of the disease has already progressed.

7. How can you prevent osteoarthritis in dogs?
Zoetis - Osteoarthritis in dogsSeveral factors play an important role in osteoarthritis prevention. On the one hand, a healthy diet is essential to maintain an optimal weight and thus relieve the pressure on the dog's joints. On the other hand, regular but joint-friendly exercise is important to strengthen the dog's muscles. Annual osteoarthritis check-ups should also be scheduled at the veterinary practice in order to be able to detect the disease early and take timely action.

8. When should you go to the vet and how is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
It is recommended to have an arthrosis check-up carried out regularly from puppy age in order to identify possible joint problems at an early stage. This is particularly true for dogs of affected breeds. However, at the first signs of osteoarthritis, you should visit a veterinary practice to clarify the causes of the symptoms and take appropriate measures. Early treatment can relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis and significantly improve the dog's quality of life.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis: Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is diagnosed after a physical examination in which your veterinarian observes your dog's gait and posture and looks for any abnormal changes in the joints or signs of pain. X-rays may be taken to further assess joint or bone changes and to diagnose underlying orthopedic conditions. In some cases, advanced imaging may be performed to better evaluate the cartilage and other soft tissue structures surrounding the bone that are not visible on X-rays. To examine these areas, your veterinarian will perform an arthroscopy (joint endoscopy), Perform CT or MRI.

9. What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis in dogs?
The basis of every osteoarthritis therapy is always individual pain treatment. There are now also innovative and well-tolerated products. If a cause has been identified, it is of course important to treat it in the best possible way, for example through surgery. In addition to pain relief, a healthy diet and avoiding excess weight are important in order not to put additional strain on the joints. Dietary supplements can also support joint health.

Furthermore, despite osteoarthritis, dogs need regular exercise to ensure muscle building and maintenance and thus relieve the strain on their joints. However, the movement should be species-appropriate and gentle on the joints. Regular walks on solid ground or intelligence and search games are suitable here. The therapy should be discussed and adjusted regularly with the veterinarian. Together, further treatment methods, such as accompanying physiotherapy, can be individually tailored to the sick dog. Even at home, simple everyday help can benefit the affected dog. Stair carriers, ramps, or non-slip carpets can help make your dog's daily life easier.

“If osteoarthritis has been diagnosed, the basis of therapy is always very individual pain treatment. There are now also very innovative and well-tolerated products here. Every patient should definitely be treated multimodally. This means that in addition to pain relief, the dog’s diet, exercise and environment must also be adjusted.”Dr. Charlotte Reimann
Specialist in internal medicine for small animals at Zoetis Germany

10. What are the costs for osteoarthritis treatment?
The cost estimate depends on the individual patient. Depending on the severity of the disease, the size or weight of the dog and the treatment methods used. In addition, long-term therapy is often necessary, which accompanies the dog until the end of its life. Depending on the cause, operations on joints may have to be carried out, some of which are combined with complex imaging and are then correspondingly expensive.

Further information on the topic of osteoarthritis in dogs is available in the article “Identifying and Treating Osteoarthritis in Dogs” as well as on the Zoetis website and the Zoetis YouTube channel.