What is osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition which affects the joint cartilage and underlying bone, eventually leading to pain, stiffness and inflammation within the joint.

The most common joints affected are those that are weight bearing in nature. In dogs these are likely to be the knee (stifle,) hip, elbow  and the shoulder joint however osteoarthritis can affect many other joints including the spine. 

It is a misconception that osteoarthritis is an 'old person' or 'old dog' disease. It is estimated that 80% of dogs of the age of 8 will have osteoarthritis but more alarmingly, 20% of dogs under the age of 1 will have arthritis!  

So why are younger dogs getting osteoarthritis earlier on in life and what can we do to prevent this?


What is contributing to
​Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can have overlapping causes  

Wear & Tear

Unusual load on any joint over an extended period of time will begin to 'rub down' the cartilage within the joint 

Compensatory 

Sometimes injury or inherited conditions causes abnormal loading directly on the joint of question or onto other healthy joints within the body, causing compensation and overload  

Breed Specific

Certain breeds are more prone to osteoarthritis than others. For example, large and giant breeds of dogs are at greater risk  of developing arthritis as they age


Osteoarthritis Management

Osteoarthritis management is multi factorial depending on what the underlying causes and concerns are and every dog is diffferent. We pride ouselves in addressing all of the below.
  • Tailored exercises to address postural and muscular changes
  • Complementary therapies to address pain and inflammation  (Cold Laser, remedial massage, passive range of motion exercises)  
  • Prevention of further injury with advice on home set up  and education
  • Advice on activity modification - how much is too much?
  • Address weight control if this is an issue
  • Advice on cartilage support 
  • ​Work with your vet as we believe medical management plays an important role in symptom management of osteoarthritis