Dog joint health

Joint infections, or septic arthritis, occur when bacteria or fungi are introduced into the nutrient-rich joint fluid, resulting in an infection. In dogs, joint infections typically develop after a wound occurs over or near a joint, but can also occur due to widespread bacterial infection in the body or after joint injections.

Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in dogs affects the first two neck bones in the spine: the atlas (vertebra C1) and axis (vertebra C2), which give the head and neck stability. Changes to the bone(s) or ligaments in these joints can cause instability, resulting in dislocation and spinal cord compression. 

Distemper is a highly contagious and common viral disease that affects dogs worldwide. Unvaccinated and immunocompromised dogs are at greatest risk. Distemper commonly causes coughing, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination.

Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is a condition in dogs where the immune system attacks the chewing muscles. Myositis is the term for inflammation of muscle tissue. The chewing muscles are on the top and sides of the head and are responsible for opening the mouth and chewing.

Luxating patellas (LP) is a term for dislocation (luxation) of the kneecaps (patellas). LP is a moderately common condition and is seen most commonly in small breed dogs.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder affecting the brain characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and spontaneous or emotion-triggered collapse (cataplexy). This is an uncommon condition in dogs, and can be caused by a genetic predisposition or in rare cases, a brain disorder or nerve disease.

Roundworms are a common type of intestinal parasite in dogs, acquired from consumption or contact with contaminated soil or prey species. Pets are often asymptomatic but when present symptoms include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or a swollen belly, and sometimes worms are visible in the feces.

Polyradiculoneuritis (PRN), also known as coonhound paralysis, is a condition in dogs where the immune system attacks the nervous system resulting in inflammation of nerves, primarily in the legs. The cause of most forms of PRN is unknown, but coonhound paralysis is linked to a reaction to raccoon saliva.

Osteosarcoma is the formation of a malignant tumor in the bones. It is a highly metastatic cancer with a median survival rate of 2-4 months without treatment and 8-12 months with treatment. This is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs and is most prominent in large breeds and older pets.

A saddle thrombus is when a large blood clot becomes lodged in the aorta, obstructing blood flow to the hind limbs in dogs. The aorta is a large artery which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease which interrupts the way nerves communicate with striated muscles. Striated muscles control voluntary movement, such as those used to walk or change facial expression. 

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) describes the growth of areas of new bone around the head and jaws. CMO is a rare condition of no known origin seen in young, growing dogs, usually between 3-7 months old.

Botulism is a rare and potentially life-threatening form of paralysis caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, commonly found in decomposing meat and plants. Symptoms of botulism generally develop within 24 to 48 hours after ingestion and include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and progressive ascending motor paralysis that starts in the rear limbs.

Dropped jaw (trigeminal neuropathy) is a disorder of the cranial nerve that controls the movement and sensitivity of the jaw in dogs.  The characteristic symptom is the inability to close the mouth.

Polymyositis is an inflammatory disorder in dogs affecting two or more muscles in the body. The immune system attacks healthy muscles, causing muscle tissue to be replaced with scar tissue, leading to weakness.

Ataxia describes abnormal movement control of the limbs and body. Dogs with ataxia present with poor coordination while walking, loss of balance, and often appear dizzy.

Facial nerve paralysis describes the inability of a dog to move the muscles in its face because of a dysfunction in the nerves. This appears as ‘droopiness’ or sagging of the facial muscles, lips, ears, and eyelids.

Bartonella infection in dogs is a disease caused by bacteria from the Bartonella species. The infection targets the blood vessels of various organs, including the heart, liver, lymph nodes, eyes, nose, and joints.

Limited mobility in dogs is difficulty or reluctance to perform the usual activities of daily living. A dog who has trouble going up or down stairs, has difficulty getting in and out of the car, is reluctant to jump up or down from furniture or up onto people, or is stiff getting up after sleeping has limited mobility

Unexplained weight gain is specifically characterized by the occurrence of weight gain in spite of a reduction in calories and appetite.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs, and occurs due to traumatic injury or progressive degeneration of the ligament.

Joint swelling is caused by the buildup of fluid or excessive bone growth within a joint.

Joint pain refers to soreness of the spine and/or limbs and is a common symptom, especially in older dogs.

Lethargy is a lack of energy or enthusiasm, which most often presents in dogs as reduced activity levels and disinterest in toys, food, or treats.

Collapse in dogs is generally defined as when a dog falls and cannot get back up.

Bromethalin toxicosis in dogs is caused by ingestion of a toxic dose of bromethalin-based rodent poison.

Exercise intolerance is a decreased ability to endure sustained exercise.

Hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition in dogs resulting from reduced production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands.

Heartworm disease is caused by a roundworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. Dogs are exposed to the parasite through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes feed on an infected animal and pick up immature worms, then pass them to other animals they feed on later.

Tick paralysis, or tick toxicity, is a quick acting, progressive disease that can cause extreme harm to a dog (and humans).