Joint Pain in Dogs 

What Causes Joint Pain? 

The causes of joint pain in dogs can be very diverse. The most common pain-inducing conditions include joint inflammations (arthritis), injuries (trauma) as well as degenerative and hereditary joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. 

In general, any dog breed can exhibit joint pain. However, in the case of osteoarthritis, large breeds like the German Shepherd are typically affected. 

Osteoarthritis in Dogs 

One of the most common causes of joint pain in dogs is osteoarthritis. It is also called osteoarthrosis or joint wear and tear. 

This is a degenerative disease where the joint cartilage is gradually and irreversibly damaged. The best-known example of this is hip dysplasia, which occurs particularly often in large breeds like the German Shepherd. 

It develops at a very young age and is influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and the dog’s environment and activity levels: 

• Genetics: If both parent dogs (or even one) suffer from osteoarthritis, the risk for the puppies also increases. 
• Diet: A balanced diet plays a crucial role during the growth of the musculoskeletal system. Nutrients like calcium and phosphorus can cause severe joint damage and other imbalances within the dog’s body if under-supplied, over-supplied or if the ratio is incorrect. 
• Environment and activity: While exercise is extremely important for a dog’s health, over-exertion can put extreme pressure on the joints. This can lead to cartilage damage and bone growths. Completely abstaining from exercise is not an alternative either. Obesity and constant lying down can also cause joint damage. 

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Joint Inflammation 

A joint inflammation (arthritis) in dogs primarily arises due to infections. The most common pathogens include bacteria such as Mycoplasma, Borrelia, or Rickettsia. 

After entering the bloodstream, they reach the joints and cause local damage. Additionally, tumour-related changes, injuries and immune diseases such as rheumatism can also trigger inflammatory reactions in the joints. 

Patellar or Kneecap Luxation 

Smaller dogs are particularly prone to patellar luxation. Typically, the dog’s kneecap glides back and forth like a sled during movement. If the groove in the knee joint is too shallow or the ligaments of the kneecap are too long, the patella can slide out of this groove even with normal movements. 

This leads to severe pain in the affected leg. The dog often exhibits a noticeable gait. 

Through a sudden movement or guided extension, the kneecap slides back into place. The dog then walks pain-free again. However, the instability causes long-term damage to the joint cartilage. 

Joint Pain in Dogs: Symptoms 

Since there are various causes of joint pain, not all symptoms are the same. The following are common signs of joint pain in dogs: 

• pain and resulting reluctance to move: A typical sign of osteoarthritis (especially with hip dysplasia) is pain when rising after a long rest 
• abnormal movements (e.g. limping) 
• in cases of inflammation: fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the joints and increased warmth 

Available Diagnostic Measures 

A visit to the vet typically begins with a thorough owner interview (anamnesis). This helps the veterinarian narrow down possible causes, such as previous injuries or hip dysplasia in your dog’s parents. 

This is followed by a general clinical examination to determine the current health status through vital parameters, such as rectal body temperature. During the specific examination of the musculoskeletal system, the vet has various diagnostic options. Many changes in the joints and surrounding bones can already be identified by palpation (touching with hands). Various function tests can also help identify the cause of your dog’s joint pain. 

If changes such as joint structure swelling, crepitation (a palpable crunching when bones rub together), altered joint space size or bone cysts (benign tumour-like structures) are detected, the vet may be able to make a diagnosis and possibly classify the disease into stages. 

However, to confirm the actual diagnosis, imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans are usually necessary. 

Inflammatory cells like neutrophils can also be detected through blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Normally, joint fluid (synovia) is clear and viscous. If inflammation is present, it can appear bloody or purulent and significantly thickened. 

How to Treat Joint Pain in Dogs 

To alleviate the primary pain symptoms in dogs, the following measures are recommended: 

• pain-relieving medication 
• Massages and joint rest 

Further therapeutic measures vary depending on the underlying condition and should only be undertaken with strict indications: 

• in cases of inflammation: anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cool wraps 
• for degenerative joint diseases (e.g. osteoarthritis): physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, gold acupuncture, possibly surgical interventions 
• Patellar luxation: surgical correction depending on the severity 

Prognosis 

The prognosis for joint inflammation in dogs is generally quite favourable depending on the extent and cause. However, if the joint structures are too damaged, only surgical measures like joint stiffening may lead to improvement. 

Conversely, degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases cannot be treated at the root. Nevertheless, with medications and surgical treatments, the quality of life for the dog can be significantly improved. 

Preventing Joint Pain in Dogs 

To counteract joint diseases in dogs, these preventive measures are recommended: 

• Controlled breeding and puppy purchases: Healthy breeding is crucial to prevent hereditary diseases (e.g. hip dysplasia). Breeders should have all their breeding dogs examined by a vet early on. When buying a puppy, always insist on a vet-issued health certificate. 
• Regular, well-measured exercise: Ensure your dog exercises regularly but avoid extreme exertion.
• Avoid obesity and maintain a balanced diet