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Bone and joint problems are not unique to older dogs. In fact, dogs of all ages will have orthopedic problems, although the reasons behind them are often different. 

"Orthopedic diseases are usually hereditary, so they are usually more common in purebred dogs, and larger breeds are also more susceptible to these diseases," explains Dr. Jamie Richardson, DVM Medical Director, Small Division Veterinary Medicine. "Orthopedic diseases and injuries cause joints to deviate from anatomical norms. This means that bones may rub together more, so joints suffer more wear and tear than healthy joints, causing arthritis to develop faster-this is where we are. The reason why young dogs saw it."

In puppies, limp and limp can sometimes be related to minor problems and can resolve on their own after a period of rest. However, this is not always the case, and many times this may indicate that something more serious is lurking.

Related: Look for the main ingredients in joint and hip supplements that help treat arthritis

Here are some bone and joint problems that may affect puppies    

Richardson said that hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint grows unevenly during puppies, so depending on the severity of the condition, some dogs may begin to show signs when they are very young. 

"Although hip dysplasia is a genetic disease mainly seen in large dogs, it may be worsened by diet and growth rate," Richardson explained. "It is very important for puppies to maintain a normal weight as they grow up; if they feed too much, they are more likely to grow unevenly and put more pressure on the joints, thereby developing hip dysplasia."

In addition, it is very important to feed foods specially formulated for large-scale puppies to help control their growth. This allows for proper bone growth and formation because these diets contain fewer calories and a specific amount of calcium suitable for large breeds. "Excessive calcium in the diet is also associated with a higher incidence of orthopedic abnormalities in large and giant breeds," Richardson said.

She added that the recommended treatment for hip dysplasia may vary based on the severity of the condition, the age at diagnosis, and the degree of response to medical interventions. "Surgery is usually recommended only when other medical interventions are inadequate," Richardson explained.

Elbow dysplasia is a syndrome that includes a variety of genetic diseases that can lead to abnormal elbow joint development. Richardson again stated that elbow dysplasia is more common in large and giant breeds and may lead to degenerative joint diseases.

According to Richardson, a combination of early surgical intervention and physical therapy provides the best results. However, she explained that the exact recommendations will vary greatly depending on the age of diagnosis, the specific joint abnormalities found, and the degree of pre-existing joint disease. 

Although generally considered a problem for older dogs, puppies can also develop osteoarthritis. "In puppies, arthritis is usually caused by orthopedic diseases or injuries, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, dislocation of the patella, or rupture of the cruciate ligament," Richardson said.

On the other hand, arthritis in elderly dogs is usually caused by age-related wear and tear, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Related: Making dogs with hip dysplasia feel comfortable

One of the lesser-known symptoms of Lyme disease is mobile claudication caused by joint pain or swelling, which may come and go, repeatedly in the same leg or another. "However, 90-95% of dogs exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease are still asymptomatic, and only 5-10% of infected dogs will show clinical symptoms," Richardson explains what she tends to see.

This is part of the reason why early detection of Lyme disease is so difficult-when most dogs are diagnosed, the window for early and easier treatment may have closed. "However, once clinical Lyme disease is diagnosed, the response to treatment is usually successful soon (including resolution of any joint inflammation)," Richardson added.

Add some encouragement to your puppy's steps.

For many reasons, dogs may develop a cruciate ligament (the knee ligament that connects the femur and tibia).

“Dogs may experience a torn cruciate ligament for a variety of reasons.” Unlike humans, most cruciate ligament injuries are not acute injuries but are torn over time due to chronic wear and tear; however, trauma and /Or acute injury can also cause a tear in the CCL," Richardson explained. She added that most dogs are over four years old at the time of diagnosis, and this is more likely to occur in larger breeds, including Newfoundland and Labrador. Poly Retriever, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier, Akita, Mastiff, St. Bernard and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Richardson said that poor physical condition and being overweight can put more pressure on joints and ligaments, and can also cause CCL tears, so it is important to control the dog's weight.

According to Richardson, puppies can also have other bone or joint problems. These include total osteitis (inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones of the legs), osteochondrosis dissecans (defects in the smooth cartilage surface of one or more joints), hypertrophic osteodystrophy (inflammation of the growth plate of the long bones), and dislocation of the patella (A condition that affects the knee joint, where the kneecap slips in/out of the joint).

Joint disease can affect the joint membrane itself, the tendons or cartilage around it. As far as bones are concerned, the problem may be the result of injury, degeneration, or congenital. Just as there are many reasons behind these problems, there are also many potential treatments.

Surgery is always possible, but Richardson said that some problems can be treated with anti-inflammatory and painkillers, weight loss for overweight pets to reduce joint pressure, or supplements such as omega fatty acids and glucosamine/chondroitin.

She added that lifestyle changes, including avoiding high-intensity exercise and exercising on hard surfaces, and adjusting the house with ramps to avoid stress on joints caused by steps/jumps, are also important for many dogs. Physical therapy, such as hydrotherapy, can also help in many cases.

Related: Everything you need to know about dealing with dog joint problems

This article is for reference only. It is not and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it should never rely on specific medical advice.

Diana Bocco is a full-time writer and dog lover. She is certified in pet cardiopulmonary resuscitation, once ran a dog rescue team in Thailand, and currently shares her home with two rescue dogs. Her work has been published on PetMD, Animal Wellness, Discovery Channel, etc. Find more information on her website www.dianabocco.com

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