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Canine Arthritis also known as Canine Osteoarthritis occurs as a result of wear and tear on a joint and occurs as the dog advances in age. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or just as dog arthritis. It is characterized by the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable (synovial) joint. The cartilage has no nerves so when it touches the cartilage of another bone, there is no pain. When the cartilage wears away, the bone is exposed. The bone does have nerves so when the two bones in a joint touch, it results in pain and inflammation.
Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called mucopolysaccharides. Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to move through. This is an important property as there is no blood supply to cartilage In degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, there is a loss of chondroitin sulfate as the cartilage erodes.
Canine arthritis is one of the most common sources of chronic pain treated by veterinarians. While many cases occur in older animals, dog arthritis can affect pets of any age. Overweight dogs are likely candidates, but dogs of all sizes are affected. And while larger breeds are more prone to canine arthritis, all breeds and mixed breeds can develop it.
Diagnosis of arthritis in dogs is usually done by a physical exam done at your veterinarian combined with x-rays. Below are 2 pictures of a normal hip and a hip that has canine arthritis. Get an accurate diagnosis before you determine the treatment.
 
Treatment and prevention are personal choices but involve several options. Traditional medicine involves the use of Rimadyl which is controversial. A safer more holistic approach involves the use of chondroprotecive agents and vitamin supplements which use glucosamine, chondroitin, ester-C & MSM, among others.
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