Understanding Canine Arthritis

With the weather changing here in North America we are seeing some seasonal slow down in our dogs, so this week let's talk about arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs today, and it has a profound impact on both the quality and the length of life our canine companions enjoy. While people often associate arthritis with aging, in dogs it is not just a disease of the senior years. Many dogs begin developing arthritis in young adulthood, with genetics and body conformation (the way a dog’s body is structured and moves) playing important roles in its early onset.

In this article, we’ll explore how arthritis develops in dogs, what the disease cycle looks like, and most importantly, what you can do to help your dog live a longer, more comfortable, and more active life.

How Does Arthritis Develop?

Arthritis in dogs can develop for several reasons. In some cases, it begins after a specific injury, such as a cranial cruciate ligament rupture or a fracture that alters how the joint functions. However, the more common causes are genetics, conformation, and obesity.

Regardless of the underlying cause, arthritis develops through a repeating cycle of joint damage and inflammation:

1. Joint stress and cartilage injury: Something, whether poor structure, excess weight, or an injury, places abnormal stress on a joint. This damages the cartilage cells (chondrocytes).

2. Inflammation and pain: Damaged cartilage cells release enzymes and mediators that fuel inflammation. This leads to synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining), which reduces the quality of synovial fluid and makes the joint lining highly sensitive and painful.

3. Cartilage breakdown: Inflammation accelerates cartilage destruction. As cartilage thins, the underlying bone (subchondral bone) becomes exposed, which is very painful.

4. Reduced mobility: Pain discourages dogs from using the joint. Less activity leads to fibrosis (scar tissue around the joint), bone spur formation (osteophytes), and a reduced range of motion.

5. Muscle loss and weight changes: When dogs use the joint less, muscle atrophy (wasting) sets in. Reduced activity can also lead to weight gain and compensatory stress on other joints, which worsens the arthritis cycle.

This self-perpetuating cycle is why arthritis is considered a progressive disease: once it starts, it worsens over time. The goal with active management is to slow this process down.

The Arthritis Cycle

Although we understand a lot about how arthritis develops, there is still much to learn. What is clear is that arthritis is progressive and cannot be cured. Instead, our goal is to manage the condition, slow its progression, and maximize a dog’s quality of life.

It’s important to note that progressive does not mean a dog will steadily decline without relief. Dogs with arthritis often experience cycles of:

• Flares: when inflammation and pain are heightened, limiting mobility and quality of life.

• Controlled periods: when treatment and management strategies keep the disease well-managed, and the dog can live comfortably.

Early recognition is key. Subtle signs of discomfort, such as hesitation to jump, changes in gait, or reluctance to exercise, are often the first clues, and these are usually noticed by observant owners. Intervening early can make a big difference in long-term outcomes. Read more about pain and early recognition HERE.

Preventing and Managing Arthritis

There is no single “perfect” way to prevent or treat arthritis. Every dog is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. Effective management often requires trial and error, sometimes multiple times throughout a dog’s life, as the disease evolves.

That said, there are proactive steps every dog owner can take, starting even before signs of arthritis appear.