Slowing down or sore? Arthritis signs worth reporting in an older dog
It is easy to call it age. He sleeps more, hesitates at the stairs, lags on the walk. VCA is blunt that age is not a disease, and those small changes can be joint pain that your vet can help manage.
Common, and easy to miss
Cornell describes osteoarthritis as a chronic, progressive joint disease: cartilage thins, joint fluid decreases, and bony changes add inflammation and pain. It is not only a senior problem, and obesity and orthopedic conditions can contribute. VCA adds that early signs are subtle and pets hide pain until it becomes severe.
The signs to look for
Cornell lists stiffness, lameness or a change in gait, less interest in walking or exercise, trouble with stairs or jumping on the couch, difficulty getting up, muscle wasting, and sudden changes in behavior such as irritability. VCA's early list is close: stiffness or limping, reluctance on steps or furniture, slowing on walks, weight gain with muscle loss, and a change in posture, such as shifting weight or sitting differently.
What your vet decides
Cornell says diagnosis starts with a physical exam of gait, posture and joints, sometimes with x-rays. There is no cure, but treatment aims to reduce pain, slow progression and keep muscle. Its lifestyle list includes weight control, low-impact activity such as leash walks or swimming, and non-slip rugs and ramps for beds, couches and cars. Pain medicines are prescribed, and Cornell notes that long-term NSAIDs need routine blood work, so they are for your vet to choose, not to guess at.
Earlier is easier
Cornell notes that the sooner osteoarthritis is diagnosed and managed, the better the long-term outcome. A dated note of the first time you saw him hesitate, and how it has changed since, gives your vet a clear starting point. Keep the notes plain: which task he struggled with (stairs, the car, getting up from the bed), what time of day, and whether it was better or worse than last week. Do not change his food, exercise or medicines on your own because of what you read here.
Questions about this guide
Is slowing down just old age?
VCA says age is not a disease, and slowing down may be tied to moderate or severe osteoarthritis. A change worth noticing is worth mentioning to your vet.
Can younger dogs get arthritis?
Yes. Cornell says osteoarthritis can develop at any age, especially with contributing factors such as obesity or other orthopedic problems, so it is not limited to seniors.