What is Canine Arthritis?

It is a chronic joint disease characterized by:
  • loss of joint cartilage
  • thickening of the joint capsule 
  • diminished fluid in and around the joint
  • new bone formation around the joint
  • Ultimately leading to pain and limb dysfunction.
Arthritis in dogs occurs secondary to developmental orthopedic disease, such as:
  • cranial cruciate ligament disease (Like ACL in humans)
  • hip dysplasia
  • elbow dysplasia
  • osteochondritis Dissecans( abnormal cartilage development)
  • patella(knee cap) dislocation


​Early detection and treatment of these conditions can delay progression of arthritis.
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Click HERE to get 5 Tips to Prevent Canine Arthritis

 Signs of Canine Arthritis
As your dog ages you may start to notice them slowing down or not enjoying their favorite activities any more. These could be signs of arthritis. Once you notice these signs it is important to bring them to your vets attention immediately to determine the appropriate course of treatment. It's never too early to be thinking about how to manage arthritis!
Your dog may have arthritis  if they:
  • develop a limp
  • seem stiff when getting up
  • changed the way they sit
  • move more slowly
  • no longer enjoy taking a walk
  • seem bad tempered/grumpy

I think my dog has arthritis. What do I do?

Early treatment is very important to enhancing the longevity of your dog with arthritis. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are several options for management. Consult your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you initiate care the less damage the disease can cause on the joints. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and do some testing to determine the cause of the arthritis. They may prescribe pain medicine and anti inflammatory to control the symptoms. They may also discuss joint supplementation to protect the joint surfaces and delay the progression of the disease. Keep your dog at a healthy weight to relieve pressure on the joints even weight loss of a pound or two can make a difference. Keep them moving to prevent stiffness and pain due to a "drying out" of the joint.​

How Do I manage Canine Arthritis?

Keeping your dog lean and active will help combat arthritis and slow the progression of joint damage as your dogs ages. When your dog moves it provides lubrication inside dry arthritic joints, this helps reduce pain and inflammation at the joint surface making your dog more comfortable.
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Movement is Medicine
Here at Oklahoma K9 PT, we are movement specialists. We assess your dogs overall mobility and all factors that may affect this. Not only can weakness and neurologic changes cause difficulty with mobility, but also environmental factors, obesity, and traction issues. We help tailor a plan for your dog's individual needs to help you help your canine companion with  management of their arthritis pain naturally. 

Ready to find more about how Oklahoma K9 PT can help your dog with arthritis?

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