FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis in Dogs (Canine Osteoarthritis)
Does My Dog Have Canine Osteoarthritis?
What is canine osteoarthritis or dog arthritis?
Canine osteoarthritis (or "dog arthritis") is a chronic disease that causes degeneration of the joints, resulting in pain, inflammation and reduced mobility. It can affect any joint in your dog's body.
For more information about arthritis in dogs, please click here.
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What causes arthritis in dogs?
Age, injury, "wear-and-tear" and developmental abnormalities are some of the typical causes of arthritis.
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What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?
Because of the inflammation associated with dog arthritis, most of the signs of this disease are related to the pain and reduced mobility of the affected joints, and the dog's reluctance to cause more pain by moving. Though not all dogs with arthritis display all these signs, many do show signs of stiffness, limping and lethargy. Some dogs may also bark unexpectedly, demonstrate an aversion to being touched, or begin to hide.
In addition, signs can vary according to the severity of the disease. In general, the more severe the disease, the more intense the signs.
For more information about dog arthritis signs, please click here.
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How common is arthritis in dogs?
It is estimated that arthritis affects 1 in every 5 dogs over the age of one year.¹
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Are some dogs more vulnerable to arthritis than others?
There is a greater incidence of arthritis in older dogs and among the larger breeds, but it may occur in small and toy breeds, as well. Dogs of any breed, including mixed-breed dogs, and those of any size, weight and age can show signs of canine osteoarthritis.
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What can I do if I think my dog has arthritis?
- Assess whether your dog is likely to suffer from osteoarthritis. Click here for a "quick assessment" questionnaire.
- If you suspect your pet should be evaluated for arthritis, ask your veterinarian to examine your dog.
- Should arthritis be diagnosed, or if your veterinarian finds evidence of dog arthritis, ask for information about treatment for the pain and inflammation associated with dog arthritis, including PREVICOX® (firocoxib).
- Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
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How will my veterinarian make a diagnosis of arthritis in my dog?
In addition to observing behavioral clues such as limping, reluctance to exercise, and lying down or resting more than usual, your veterinarian has several diagnostic tools available for determining whether your dog has arthritis, including:
- Orthopedic examination to ascertain the presence of joint pain, swelling and/or tenderness
- Radiographs (X-rays) to assess bone changes that might have been caused by the disease
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Can dog arthritis be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for arthritis in dogs, but the pain and inflammation associated with dog arthritis can be treated.
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What is the treatment for dog arthritis?
Treatment for dog arthritis focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation and ameliorating the effects of the disease on your dog's quality of life. Click here for more information about treatment objectives.
Ask your veterinarian for more information about treating the pain and inflammation associated with dog arthritis with PREVICOX.
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¹ Johnson S. Osteoarthritis. Vet Clin North Amer Small Anim Pract 1997; 27(4): 699-723.
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney or liver side effects. These are usually mild, but may be serious. Pet owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for pets on any medication, including PREVICOX. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. Refer to the prescribing information for complete details.