The word arthritis comes from the Greek word arthron. It is an inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes.
Most dogs suffer from joint problems – canine arthritis is quite a common disease and will affect, in particular, the heavier dogs. It is usually associated with older dogs but it may occur in dogs and puppies under one year old due to such developmental disorders as Hip Dysplasia and Legge – Perthes disease.
Canine Arthritis is marked by pain, inflammation, stiffness, limping and swelling. The most common signs of a problem with a dog is when they display signs of pain with the inability to rise after sleeping or resting and finally a marked reluctance to take exercise.
Any condition that damages a joint may produce arthritis. There are several possible causes of Canine Arthritis which include:
•    Congenital disorders, almost all are due to genetic factors, such as Wobbler’s Syndrome and Patella Luxation.
•    Developmental disorders such as Hip Dysplasia and Legge – Perthes –   DiseaseLigament, tendon, or muscle disease.
•    Fractures of any joints.
•    Inflammatory joint diseases such as  Lyme disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Obesity will aggravate the condition.
The treatment of canine arthritis is palliative but the dog’s weight should be carefully monitored as obesity will aggravate the condition. The dog’s bed should be checked to ensure that is warm and dry.