Arthritis in a Young Dog

Dogs can develop arthritis at any age.

Arthritis in humans is a condition normally associated with old age. A lifetime of walking, exercising or using your hands can put stress on your joints, often resulting in arthritis. Arthritis also affects dogs--usually senior dogs. However, it is also possible for a younger dog to develop arthritis.

Causes

Younger dogs that contract arthritis are usually overweight or inactive. The main causes of arthritis in younger dogs are injuries and accidents, according to the Dog Arthritis Care Guide. Certain large dog breeds, like the Labrador retriever and golden retriever, are prone to a type of arthritis called hip dysplasia. This causes the dog's joints to develop abnormally at a young age, resulting in pain. Hip dysplasia can cause arthritis in a dog at any age.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis in a dog include favoring a limb, difficulty sitting or standing, sleeping more, stiff or sore joints, hesitancy to jump, weight gain, decreased activity and attitude changes. Telling the veterinarian about any of these symptoms may help the diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of arthritis in a young dog consists of a physical examination and possibly X-rays, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in a young dog includes an examination whereby the veterinarian extends the dog's hind leg back and forth to check for pain, according to veterinarians at Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Treatment

Treatment for young overweight dogs with arthritis includes a healthy diet and plenty of exercise to lose weight and put less pressure on the dog's joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help swollen joints and relieve pain in young dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis. Omega-fatty-acid supplements relieve an arthritic dog's pain.

Prevention/Solution

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease in dogs, making it impossible to prevent in dogs carrying that gene. It may be possible to prevent hip dysplasia from developing in early life by avoiding foods that try to push large-breed puppies to grow larger faster, according to veterinarians at Mar Vista. Other types of arthritis are preventable by keeping the dog active and at a healthy weight. Discouraging jumping in short-legged dogs such as the basset hound and dachshund may also help.

References

• Dog Arthritis Care Guide: Dog Arthritis
• Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis in Dogs
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Hip Dysplasia