Dogs can suffer from many of the same medical problems as people, including joint and hip problems. Some of these problems are genetic, but others can be caused by infection or injury.
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Types
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Many different joint bone and cartilage problems can surface over time. There are 10 different classes of joint disease that affect dogs. Among the most common are hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, congenital disorders, fractures and dietary or hormonal diseases.
Effects
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Stiffness, limping and other symptoms can mean joint trouble for your dog. Dogs that have joint diseases sometimes walk stiffly, are slow to get up or sit down, don't want to climb stairs or jump, limp or favor an affected limb.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians can find and treat canine joint disease. Veterinarians will listen to descriptions of a dog's behavior from owners, conduct a physical exam and sometimes take an x-ray or conduct other laboratory tests to determine what is affecting the animal.
Treatment
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Sometimes surgery is needed to replace a dog's hip or joint. Degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis get worse as the dog ages. Surgical procedures, including total hip replacement, can make life better, but often drug supplements are prescribed instead.
Prevention/Solution
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Taking care of your dog can reduce problems associated with joint disease. While there is no prevention for genetic hip and joint conditions in dogs, moderate exercise, a good diet, keeping your dog warm and even massaging stiff joints are some common-sense ways to make them feel better.
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