It is common knowledge among dog owners and breeders that genetics plays an important role in the development of dog arthritis. Hence, if you are on the lookout for a purebred dog, there are certain guidelines you need to follow in order to save you and your future pet a lifetime of trouble with dog arthritis.

The tips that I will share will help you get dogs that are not susceptible to orthopedic problems and give you a feel for how to check for other breed problems. However, there are other factors to consider as well – like the dog’s general health and personality, as well as your lifestyle requirements. Also note that I am talking about pure bred dogs. Mixed breed dogs can get all or none of the problems of each breed! Here are my tips:

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Elbow dysplasia is essentially the abnormal growth of parts of the elbow. Although the growth occurs during puppyhood, the symptoms may not show up until later in life. Dogs affected by elbow dysplasia often suffer from lameness, swelling and arthritis.

Veterinarians believe elbow dysplasia is genetic, and the ailment tends to affect larger breed dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Labradors. Signs of the condition may begin appearing between five and 12 months of age.

Elbow dysplasia can manifest itself in a number of ways, including:

• Fragmented Coronoid Process – this occurs when a small wedge of bone from the ulna (the long bone in the foreleg) at the bottom of the elbow fails to fuse with the ulna.
• Ununited Aconeal Process – this occurs when a small wedge of bone at the top of the ulna fails to fuse during growth.
• Osteochondritis of the Elbow – this occurs when cartilage fragments become loose from the elbow and float around in the joint.
• Elbow Joint Incongruity – when the surface of the joint becomes bumpy, instead of smooth, causing friction around the cartilage.

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Elbow dysplasia is a leading cause of dog arthritis among larger breeds of canines, but there are a number of ways veterinarians can treat this problem. It can cause a variety of problems in dogs, including lameness, stiffness and considerable pain.

Elbow dysplasia appears to be a developmental problem that occurs in puppyhood when your dog is growing. It usually takes the form of:

• A fragment of the elbow becoming not fusing properly to the ulna bone (ununited anconeal process or fragmented coronoid process)
• A piece of cartilage being dislodged and floating in the joint (osteochondritis)
• The joint becoming bumpy and rubbing against the cartilage (joint incongruity)

While the ailment develops in the dog’s formative months, it may not manifest itself until later in life. However if a young, large-breed dog displays symptoms of elbow arthritis, such as stiffness or soreness after a rest, or licking elbow joints, it is very likely the dog has elbow dysplasia.

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As many as 9 million dogs in the U.S. alone suffer from the pain and misery of dog arthritis. With so many dogs being affected, it’s worth your time to learn the story behind dog arthritis.

Dog Arthritis and Aging

Many breeds of dogs become more susceptible to dog arthritis as they age. All of the causes of arthritis have yet to be identified, but one leading cause involves aging cartilage cells that block the chemicals the body releases when injuries occur. This makes it more difficult for healing to take place and, as a result, the cartilage begins to deteriorate causing the joints to malfunction.

Common Joint Ailments

Many dogs suffer from a condition called joint instability.  This occurs when the ligaments that are supposed to support the joint are sprained or become ruptured. This condition allows the joints to move outside the physical limits usually controlled by the ligaments. This often occurs as the result of an injury such as a run-in with a car.

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