"Hey there, human! Let's pause for a moment and talk about arthritis risk factors. My breed may play a role, so let's keep an eye out and prevent those joint blues!”
- Axel
Safeguarding your dog's joints from arthritis
Osteoarthritis, or arthritis for short, is a common condition that affects many dogs, causing pain and discomfort in their joints. While it can develop for various reasons, there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of your dog developing arthritis. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures and keep your dog healthy. Let's take a closer look at the six key risk factors you should be aware of.
Risk factor 1: predisposing arthropathies
Certain arthropathies, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cranial cruciate ligament disease, and patellar luxation, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the affected joint. If your dog has any of these conditions, they may be more prone to developing arthritis.
Risk factor 2: genetics and breed
The breed of your dog plays a significant role in determining their susceptibility to having a joint abnormality. In general, large and giant breeds are at a higher risk for most predisposing joint abnormalities, except for patellar luxation, which has a higher risk for small-breed dogs. Crossbreeds that include breeds at risk can also be affected. Here are some examples of breeds that are at high risk for common predisposing joint abnormalities1,2,3,4,5:
Hip dysplasia
Bernese Mountain Dog, Bulldog breeds, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, Mastiff breeds, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pug, Retriever breeds, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Welsh Corgi.
Elbow dysplasia
Bernese Mountain Dog, Black Russian Terrier, Bulldog breeds, Bull Terrier breeds, Chow Chow, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Mastiff breeds, Newfoundland, Retriever breeds, Rottweiler, Shar Pei.
Cruciate disease
Bernese Mountain Dog, Bichon Frise, Boxer, Bulldog breeds, Bull Terrier breeds, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, Lancashire Heeler, Mastiff breeds, Newfoundland, Rottweiler.
Patellar luxation
Bichon Frise, Bulldog breeds, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dutch Flat-Coated Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Pomeranian, Pug, Shar Pei, Shiba Inu, Terrier breeds, Toy Spaniel breeds.
Risk factor 3: body weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for preventing arthritis in dogs. High caloric intake during growth can increase the risk of developmental orthopaedic disease in puppies with a genetic predisposition. Additionally, overweight dogs are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and have it progress to an advanced stage.
Risk factor 4: inappropriate exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for keeping your dog's muscles, bones, and joints strong and healthy. However, it's important to ensure that the exercise is appropriate for your dog's age, breed, and overall condition. Inappropriate exercise can actually increase the risk of osteoarthritis development. So, while exercise is beneficial, make sure it's suitable for your dog.
"Time for a game of fetch, but remember to match my exercise to my needs. The right workout keeps my joints strong and arthritis away!”
- Eddie
Risk factor 5: neuter status
Timing matters when it comes to neutering your dog. Neutering before the growth plates have closed may increase the risk of joint diseases in some large and giant breeds. Talk to your vet about the optimal timing for neutering your dog to minimise any potential risks.
Risk factor 6: musculoskeletal injury
An injury to your dog's joints can have long-lasting effects, even after the visible signs of the injury have healed. Abnormal stress on the joint caused by a previous injury can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later on. It's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid such injuries and ensure your dog's overall joint health.
"Hey, pet parent! Neuter timing matters! Let's chat with the vet to protect me from joint diseases and make the right decision for my health.”
- Alfie
Proactive measures for preventing and managing arthritis
By understanding the risk factors associated with arthritis in dogs, you can take proactive steps to protect your furry companion's joint health. Pay attention to your dog's breed, weight, exercise routine, and any previous injuries. Regular check-ups with your vet and a proactive approach to your dog's well-being can go a long way to help reduce the risk of developing arthritis as well as manage the well-being of dogs who are affected by arthritis. Keep them active, maintain a healthy weight, and provide proper care to keep those joints happy and pain-free!
References
[1] Coopman, F., Verhoeven, G., Saunders, J., Duchateau, L. & Bree, H. V. Prevalence of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and humeral head osteochondrosis in dog breeds in Belgium. Vet. Rec. 163, 654 (2008).
[2] Witsberger, T. H., Villamil, J. A., Schultz, L. G., Hahn, A. W. & Cook, J. L. Prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. J. Am. Vet. Méd. Assoc. 232, 1818–1824 (2008).
[3] O’Neill, D. G., Brodbelt, D. C., Hodge, R., Church, D. B. & Meeson, R. L. Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Canine Med. Genet. 7, 1 (2020).
[4] Engdahl, K., Emanuelson, U., Höglund, O., Bergström, A. & Hanson, J. The epidemiology of cruciate ligament rupture in an insured Swedish dog population. Sci. Rep. 11, 9546 (2021).
[5] O’Neill, D. G., Meeson, R. L., Sheridan, A., Church, D. B. & Brodbelt, D. C. The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Canine Genet. Epidemiology 3, 4 (2016).
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Date of preparation: July 2023. UI-PET-0074-2023.