Does My Dog Have Arthritis… Or Something Else? Lookalike Conditions That Can Mimic Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Around 80% of dogs over age 8 will eventually develop osteoarthritis in at least one joint. The wear-and-tear of everyday activity tends to catch up to our dogs faster than their joints can heal, leading to pain and inflammation.
Since it’s so common, even expected, for dogs to develop arthritis in old age, it’s easy to dismiss symptoms that could actually be related to another health issue. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, we’re exploring reasons dogs develop stiffness, pain, and inactivity… other than arthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Osteoarthritis (OA) can affect just one joint, or multiple joints, most commonly the hips, knees, hocks, and elbows.
In the early stages of osteoarthritis, dogs tend to have a harder time getting up out of bed, but will gradually improve throughout the day. Their symptoms will often be more severe in cold or rainy weather.
As the disease progresses, the dog may avoid using the affected joint. They may limp, favoring their other limbs, or they shift their weight or alter their posture to avoid pain. Over time, there may be noticeable loss of muscle tone.
Though OA on its own does not cause incontinence, some dogs have accidents if it becomes painful to get up and go outside. And while it does not tend to cause lethargy, it can lead to decreased activity.
Many symptoms of OA are shared with other conditions, and it’s also possible for a dog to have multiple diagnoses. That’s why it’s so important to see a veterinarian to determine which joint(s) are affected, the severity of the inflammation, and to rule out other issues.

Congenital Joint Issues in Dogs
When a dog’s joints do not develop normally, the bones may not form a perfect fit when they meet.
Large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, in which one or both hip sockets are too shallow to keep the head of the femur in place. The hip joint will be loose as a result and may move out of place when the dog walks or runs. This condition can be painful, and the friction between the bone tissue can actually cause arthritis in the hip.
Elbow dysplasia, similarly, is seen in large breed dogs, especially those that have had periods of rapid growth during puppyhood. The elbow joint does not develop properly, causing looseness, grinding, and eventually, arthritis.
Small dogs are at greater risk of luxating patella, in which the groove in the thighbone that holds the kneecap in place is too shallow. The kneecap may pop out of place when the dog walks or run, and can cause pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
Keep in mind that hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella can all cause arthritis in the affected joints. They can sometimes cause early onset in younger dogs. Your veterinarian can use x-rays and other diagnostic tools to find out whether your dog has arthritis, a congenital joint issue, or possibly both.

Neurological Conditions that Mimic Arthritis in Dogs
Injuries and diseases that affect the nervous system can cause symptoms that may be mistaken for arthritis.
A spinal cord injury, possibly from a fall or a vehicular collision, can cause neurological symptoms. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, rather than develop gradually as you’d see with arthritis.
Congenital, neurodegenerative conditions such as degenerative myelopathy (DM), and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) can cause wobbling, unsteadiness, weakness, and changes in gait. DM is not painful, while IVDD can cause severe pain.
Disorders like DM and IVDD are progressive. Symptoms tend to worsen gradually, similar to arthritis. There are often distinct symptoms like paralysis, incontinence, and muscle spasms, which are not usually associated with arthritis.

Soft Tissue Pain in Dogs
Sometimes, pain in dogs can actually be attributed to soft tissue other than the joints. Muscles, tendons, ligaments and myofascial tissue can all sustain injuries that may be acute or chronic. Some soft tissue injuries cause sharp pains, so your dog may yelp when the affected area is touched or when it’s agitated when they move.
Joint injuries like a cranial cruciate ligament tear (CCL) or meniscus tear can be severe, causing a sudden onset of pain, limping, and inflammation. But a mild tear may present with no symptoms and gradually worsen over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment For Dogs with Chronic Pain
Whether your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis or their pain has another cause, it’s crucial to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Many causes of pain in dogs can be treated, with greater odds of a complete recovery the sooner the dog is diagnosed.
While full recovery is not always possible, particularly for degenerative conditions like arthritis, pain management is possible. Pain relief medications, joint supplements, and lifestyle changes not only help reduce pain but can also slow the progression of symptoms and can add years of healthy, active years to your dog’s life.